CARDIGAN Town Council has frozen its precept for the fourth successive year following its annual budget meeting for 2020-21.

A resolution was passed by members that there would be no increase in the Town Council tax, consequently retaining the precept at £83,995.47.

On the above basis, the precept for 2020-21 will be calculated at £46.41 for a Band D property council tax. This equates to £3.87 per month.

The Band D council tax for other Ceredigion towns for 2019-20 was set as follows: Aberystwyth £103.13, Aberaeron £52.98, Lampeter £43.37.

Ceredigion County Council has withdrawn its garden and parks service and as a result, the Town Council has now taken on the responsibility for the planting of bulbs and flowers in Victoria Gardens in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 included the refurbishment of the skatepark with substantial grant aid from Ceredigion County Council, and the Big Lottery Fund.

The Pentop Play Area was developed with the financial assistance of the Ceredigion Community Grant Scheme and also a grant of £1,000 from the “Tesco Bags of Help” initiative towards the purchase of disabled equipment.

The reintroduction of five CCTV cameras in the town centre by the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner is now complete.

During this financial year (2019-20), to date more than £25,000 has been contributed to a number of charities and local organisations including donations under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

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

Numerous other smaller clubs and institutions have also benefited.

Expenses incurred at King George V Playing Field during the past year amounted to £3,717.80.

During her year of office, the present Mayor, Cllr Shan Williams, has chosen Cardigan Cancer Care and the Oxygen Therapy Unit as her charities for financial support.

In addition, the past Mayor Cllr John Adams-Lewis’ “Mayor’s Fund” for 2018-19 provided funding for the following charities: Cardigan Cancer Care, British Heart Foundation, Motor Neurone Disease, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the Kidney Research Foundation, benefiting to the tune of £200 each.