Shepton Mallet residents are being told to expect disruption as Somerset Council pulls the plug on its old Mendip council tax and benefits system at the end of the month.

The council says the shutdown is part of a wider upgrade that will eventually mean easier payments and a brand-new online portal. But for now, it means the existing system will be out of action for at least three weeks.

During that time, council staff won't be able to process changes or new claims, while some online forms will be unavailable. Housing benefit payments and direct debits will continue as normal, and residents can still make payments online or over the phone.

Cllr Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of the council, admitted there would be disruption but said the new set-up will "make it easier for people to manage their accounts, make payments, and access support online".

When the new system goes live, council tax bills will carry a barcode that can be scanned for payment at Post Offices and PayPoint outlets. A customer portal will also be launched, giving residents quick access to their account details.

The council has warned people in Shepton Mallet to be on the lookout for scams, stressing it will never ask for bank details by phone, email or text.