THE TOWN Council precept this year will see the average household in Thornbury pay less this year in their council tax.

Overall the budget that has been set for the next financial year by the council will be increasing by 4.9 per cent, but due to the increase in the number of homes across the town, this will result in the average home paying less.

This year’s total budget will see expenditure of £818,000 of which £623,000 will be met from council tax and the remainder from income, grants and use of council reserves

This will mean the average band D household will pay £128.29 towards the town council, a reduction from last year of £3.53.

Thornbury mayor, Cllr Helen Harrison said: “Thornbury Town Council is continuing to make significant improvements to local services and is striving to give local people a greater say in the future development of the town.

“We believe that this budget strikes the right balance between investing in our future, much needed facilities and providing value for money for local tax payers.”

This year will see the Town Council investing in a new play area at the Mundy Playing Fields and providing ongoing support to produce a neighbourhood plan for Thornbury.

Preparation works will also continue for the redevelopment of facilities currently provided at the Armstrong Hall.

The council says it will continue to invest in and support a range of other groups and organisations through our grants funding such as youth services delivered by Krunch at Turnberries, Thornbury in Bloom, contributions to support the Citizens Advice Bureau and Volunteer Centre and towards community events such as the Carnival and Arts Festival.