More for your money in parish’s precept

SADDLEWORTH residents will be getting more services for the same money, according to Saddleworth Parish Council.

Following a full deliberation of the current budget position and expected running costs for 2010 – 2011, including the extensive work in Phase 2 of the Civic Hall renovation, the precept will stay the same.

The budget approved by the Parish Council also includes two new projects identified as priorities in the recently published Parish Plan.

A bus service will run between Greenfield Station, Dovestone and Uppermill every Saturday and Sunday from late June to the end of September, and August bank holiday Monday.

Additional funding for the service is being provided by the Peak District National Park, Pennine Prospects, RSPB and the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.

The Parish Council is also working with the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership and Oldham Council Street Scene to develop a community toilet scheme for the area.

This will provide clean, safe and accessible public toilets in more convenient locations for residents and visitors to the area.

Businesses will allow members of the public to use their toilet facilities free of charge during normal opening hours and without the need to make a purchase.

Participating premises display a sticker indicating that they were participating in the scheme, and will receive a small annual fee dependent on the facilities offered.

Councillor Alma McInnes, chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “It is very pleasing that with all the new projects we have been able to freeze the precept for the Saddleworth residents.”