MEMBERS of Winwick Parish Council were forced to call a meeting in December after councillors failed to reach a decision about the budget.

The parish council is facing ‘harsh’ cuts as it sets out a budget for the next 12 months.

It has already been agreed that hanging baskets would be axed as they were costing the parish council £4,000 a year.

Clr John Gordon said all decisions regarding the budget need to be based on putting health and safety first.

Winwick Parish Council will have a tighter budget than most after it was forced to pay out a five-figure sum, following allegations of bullying by council members.

The council paid out £10,692 following the complaint.

A second compensation claim was settled last month but it is not known whether a cash payment was included as part of the agreement.