Parish precept set to rise (From Warrington Guardian)

Parish precept set to rise

THE 2005/6 precept in Barnton could increase by around five per cent, although final figures have not been confirmed yet.

A preliminary budget statement has been produced and a discussion took place at the last parish council meeting.

Parish councillor John Turnbull told members that the £5,000 allocated for Jubilee Corner should not be needed, as there was already £3,000 available from the contractors for resiting the war memorial.

A quote had been received for £2,900 so there were sufficient funds available.

He suggested using some of this money to buy desktop publishing software for the minute secretary's laptop, which would enable the village newsletter to be produced more professionally.

Barnton Parish Council chairman Maurice Ferguson said that they might as well use as much as needed from the £5,000 and buy the software.

Clr Zoe Kilby asked if the £2,500 for the summer play scheme would be used for the recreation ground instead but was told this sum was included in the budget for the recreation ground for next year.

Clr Ferguson said: "No decisions can be made on any items until there are definite figures available."