LOCAL people will be able to have their say in public on Ledbury Town Council's budget for the next financial year, in a climate of cut backs and, possibly, new responsibilities for the town council.

The budget under discussion will cover the period of April 2019 to April 2020.

The move comes as the cash-strapped Herefordshire Council looks to make more savings and parish councils consider taking on more responsibilities as a consequence, to maintain services for local communities.

A Ledbury Parish Meeting will take place on Thursday November 14, at 7.30pm in the Community Hall, Lawnside Road, when residents will have their say on where money from the public purse should be going.

The chairman of the town council, Cllr Nina Shields said: “Town and parish Councils have very limited powers. We use our share of the council tax for the benefit of the community in a various ways and it is important to decide priorities.

“Over the years we have helped a number of local voluntary bodies such as the CAB and Ledbury Community Association as well as supporting events such as the Ledbury Carnival and the October Fair. We also look after various local amenities such as the Recreation Ground, Dog Hill Wood and the Cemetery."

Cllr Shields added: “We continue to face new challenges as Herefordshire Council funding is cut back and they seek to devolve more services down to town and parish Councils. As chairman, I believe that our community needs to understand how their taxes are spent. One of the best ways to achieve this is to encourage local residents to help us in deciding the Council’s priorities for the forthcoming year.

"If you can, please join us on November 14.”