A SERIES of ongoing projects in Middleton-in-Teesdale to help revamp a play area and improve footpaths and benches will see precepts nudged up to foot the bill.
Parish councillors discussed the possibility of supporting a number of ongoing renovation projects in the village at their December meeting, but agreed to back four schemes aimed at maintaining and improving the village and its surroundings.
The sum of £5,000 will be set aside to help fund the revamp of Wesley Park play area.
A working group, which was set up during the summer when the park had to be shut due to safety issues, is working towards applying for funding to replace the existing outdated equipment.
Members also agreed to continue funding Footpath Focus to the tune of £2,000 to ensure the walking routes around Middleton-in-Teesdale are maintained.
The scheme, which is part funded by Durham County Council, has helped maintain family-friendly walking routes around the village and fund new signage.
It was agreed £1,000 would be put aside to continue a programme of refurbishment of the village’s benches and seats.
An additional £1,000 was allocated for the purchase of four new litter bins to replace existing older, damaged ones. An initial suggestion of buying specialist recycling bins separating waste into categories was shelved.
Clerk Judith Mashiter said: “When I spoke to Durham County Council they said they would empty all into one wagon, so we would end up looking silly.”
Some £200 was proposed to be given to Newbiggin Village Hall. However it was agreed not to budget for the restoration of the Bainbridge Memorial Fountain or the information and interpretation boards to keep the increase in precept as low as possible.
The proposed budget means there would be an increase of 33 per cent in the precept, with band D taxpayers paying £50.79.
It was agreed to propose a budget of £32,951 for 2019-20, financed through £4,760 of non-precept income, £3,081 from reserves and £25,110 raised through the precept.
The proposed budget will be put publicised before the final decision is made this month.
