DURSLEY Town Council has set its budget for the coming financial year – seeing a number of benefits for the town as well as a council tax rise of £9.65 per year.

The increased revenue will mean the new town centre car park, scheduled to open at the end of February, will be free to use.

It will also allow the council to manage and maintain the Kingshill Cemetery, allotments, various green spaces and the town centre.

Community groups including Dursley in Bloom, Dursley Welcomes Walkers and Festive Dursley will continue to receive support.

And to promote tourism in the area a new visitor information centre, located at Dursley Library, is planned.

The council plans to support a number of other projects throughout the year, including provision of youth services at the Vibe youth centre, and is to invest in new facilities at the War Memorial Recreation Ground and other play areas.

Fully trained staff will soon be able to support Stroud District Council’s Dog Warden by issuing fixed penalty notices for dog fouling in the town’s green spaces.