WHITCHURCH residents are set for a small rise in the amount they pay for to the town’s council.

The new Whitchurch Town Council for 2018/19 shows an increase in the precept, with the average Band D property in the town paying £5.32 a month- an increase of around £3.70 a year.

Reasons given for the rise include a cut from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in Council Tax Support Grant and the possibility of the town council having to pay for its own future elections.

Whitchurch Town Council chairman and town mayor John Buckley, pictured, said: “I am proud of a town council that looks to maintain services and stand up for local residents when being faced with cuts imposed from elsewhere.”

The Town Council has set aside money for local services and plans including the number 59 community bus service running for a third day to help people with mobility issues.

There have also been resources allocated to help with street cleaning, and funds have also been set aside for the First World War centenary anniversary. Improvements have also been planned for the community website, communications and online presence of the town.

Funding will also go to the Alliston Way and Kingsley Park Recreation Grounds, the cemetery, the Winchester Road allotments, community grants and street lighting.

Councillor Buckley added: “Whitchurch is a growing town and the town council recognises the increasing expectations.

Our statutory responsibilities may not match those of Basingstoke or Hampshire but being closest to the Whitchurch townsfolk we are best placed to listen to local needs.

“Grateful thanks must also go to Councillor Rebecca Jordan who oversaw the budget process, and to all the local groups and individuals who have given their volunteer time over the last year to help keep our town a lovely place to enjoy”.