RESIDENTS in Winsford face a hike of almost 20 per cent on their council tax precept this year.

Winsford Town Council unanimously approved their 2019/20 budget of £502,374 at a meeting last night.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's council tax reduction scheme grant support has fallen from £21,075 last year to £10,537 this year, leaving a precept of £491,837.

This year's budget will see council tax for Band D properties going up by 19.89 per cent from £48.86 to £56.65, a rise of £7.79 a year or 15 pence a week.

Councillors said the increase was necessary to fund two flagship projects, the Brunner Guildhall and the Town Park plus £14,025 for May's Town Council elections.

Without these additional costs, councillors say the rise would be 2.7 per cent.

The town's landmark Brunner Guildhall is to be renovated and brought back into use, following extensive public consultation.

A sum of £50,000 has been set aside to match fund grants the council hopes to secure to restore and refurbish the Grade II listed building.

Ongoing maintenance of the Town Park has been increased form £10,000 to £25,500 as the Town Council takes over the full running costs of the Town Park in January 2020.

The capital programme for the coming year is £55,000 which includes £35,000 for the maintenance of Brunner Guildhall and £20,000 towards the refurbishment of the town's War Memorials.