RESIDENTS will not see an increase in their town council precept, following the disclosure of the 2018/19 budget.

The final budget, which needs to be ratified by Northwich Town Council’s finance committee, was discussed by councillors on Monday evening.

The council has agreed to keep its precept at £488, 563. The cost per Band D property remains at £75.13 per house, per annum.

The overall budget, which is made up of the council’s income and precept, is £765,644.

The council has set aside £53,700 to fund its programme of events, including the Christmas Extravaganza, the Verdin Park Music Festival and the Northwich Arts Festival, which will debut this year.

Chris Shaw, Northwich Town Council clerk, said: “Our events go from strength to strength each year.

“The community fun day at Vickersway Park went to a full weekend event and is now cost neutral and offers an affordable weekend for all the family.

“The Christmas Extravaganza was again fantastic this year with thousands flocking to the town, which is great news for our retailers.

"I believe that our light switch-on is one of the best in the area with many activities free of charge throughout the day.

“We also have the Verdin Park Music Festival, which again is free of charge for all the community to enjoy.”

Bridge ward councillor Sam Naylor praised the council for growing calendar of events.

He said: “Clearly Northwich Town Council is a very progressive, well managed and expanding council and is doing more events wise without having to increase the precept. Well done.”

Leftwich ward councillor Brian Jamieson said: “We welcome the fact we have zero increase again.

"And that’s due to efficiencies and of course a lot of our income generation."

He added: “How were doing it is a miracle."