This week, Frodsham Town Council approved its budget recommendations for the coming year (2021/22), placing particular emphasis on our green spaces, as well as tentative plans for a post-Covid community event.

A total of £6,500 will be allocated to developing and delivering this idea, along with £1,500 for the Festival of Walks, £1,000 for Halloween, £10,000 for Christmas celebrations and £5,000 for New Year's Eve.

As part of the Council's Amenities budget, Frodsham's play areas will get an additional £15,500 for maintenance and refurbishment, bringing the total allocation to £20,000.

New budget items were added for Manley Road Copse and Marshlands, Council-owned areas of land which have both been 'neglected' in recent years.

Both sites will receive £2,000, while Hob Hey Wood will benefit from £5,100 of funding.

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing a temporary halt to many council services and public gatherings this year, Frodsham Town Council have been able to make savings in areas such as events, community safety and elections.

Of the £20,000 put aside for grant payments, only £1,900 has been used, creating another significant reduction in the year's outgoings. The grants budget for next year has been reduced accordingly to £10,000.

These savings enabled the Council to agree a more than 20 per cent reduction in their precept payment request for next year.

Because of this, an average Band D household in Frodsham will receive a £15 discount on this element of their yearly council tax bill.