THERE will be no increase this year in the precept raised by Cardigan Town Council.

Following the annual budget meeting, councillor agreed that the precept for the 2018-19 financial year remains at £83,995.47.

That means the precept will be £46.57 for a Band D council tax property. This equates to £3.88 per month.

As a comparison, the Band D council tax for other Ceredigion towns for 2017-18 was Aberystwyth £75.44, Aberaeron £50.92 and Lampeter £43.40.

Ceredigion County Council has withdrawn its garden and parks service so the town council has now taken on the responsibility for the planting of bulbs and flowers in Victoria Gardens in addition to the street flower pots and tubs.

Other projected expenses include:

• finger-post signage replacements, the production of new interpretation boards at six local locations featuring attractively-designed, updated maps of the town by the artist Lisa Hellier

• the introduction of an innovative app and wi-fi for the town centre which will benefit tradespeople and assist shoppers

• repair work to the surface of the skateboard park and the development of the Pentop play area as a safe and exciting avenue for the children of that district.

Plans are on-going to develop the Maesglas play area pending finalisation of negotiations with Tai Ceredigion Cyf.

The town council and 4CG partnership will continue to ensure the opening of town centre public toilets, although vandalism has taken its toll on more than one occasion. The possible reintroduction of CCTV cameras in the town centre is on-going with the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Grants towards improvements to the skateboard park (Big Lottery Fund) and the Pentop play area (Ceredigion County Council) amounted to nearly £10,000 during the financial year.

To date, more than £20,000 has been donated to a number of charities and local organisations.

The beneficiaries include Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi, Theatr Mwldan, Small World Theatre, Opera Teifi, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age Cymru Ceredigion, Cardigan Castle, Cardigan Memorial Hall and Swimming Pool, Barley Saturday Show and the River and Food Festival.

Many other smaller clubs and institutions have also benefited. Expenses incurred at King George V Playing Field during the past year amounted to £3,058.

During his year of office, the present Mayor, Cllr Richard Jones, founded the carnival committee. The committee also took responsibility for the manufacture and installation of the Christmas lights which were funded by the town council.

In addition, the past Mayor Cllr Clive Davies’ chosen charity for 2017-18, provided two defibrillators, one located at the Pendre Chemist and the other in the Guildhall courtyard costing in excess of £2,000 – funds raised by Cllr Davies’ Mayor’s Fund.