NORTHWICH residents will not have to pay any extra for the services of the town council in the next financial year.

Northwich Town Council agreed that there will be no increase in their part of the 2015/16 Council Tax bill but councillors warned that the freeze could not last forever.

Speaking at the January meeting Clr Kevin Rimmer said: "Going forward things will change because to move on at some point we're going to need to increase.

"This has been a piece of work, but a worthy piece of work, to be able to keep a zero per cent increase again, but it's becoming more and more challenging."

Clr Paul Dolan said: "The position we all recognise in terms of local government funding settlements constantly deteriorating, that's the context in which we are operating.

"We understand the pressures local families are facing so that's why we are keeping our precept at this level.

"But we are going to face an extremely difficult financial terrain."

Northwich Town Council looks after parks, playgrounds and allotments within the parish as well as organising town events and running bereavement services at Witton and Dane Valley cemeteries.

It charges a total of £485,009 from Council Tax payers within its boundary, which is called the precept.

The precept increased in the 2014/15 financial year to cover the extra responsibilities the town council took over from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), including the Christmas lights and some new play areas and allotments.

Clr Brian Jamieson said: "Our challenge this year is that we took on quite a number of new responsibilities.

"We've managed to find additional income from contracts and savings but that can't go on forever."

The Council Tax bill is also made up of charges from CWAC, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, which will all be determined before bills are sent out in March this year.