Councillors agree to set aside another �32,500 for youth faciltiies

SEATON town council is planning to increase its spending to around �204,000 over the next financial year.

But residents will not be asked to foot the entire �14,000 rise, as half the money will come from its reserves.

It means the town council can restrict its precept to �197,000 – an extra 3.7 per cent for council tax payers to find.

For the second year, the budget includes �32,500 specifically to be set aside for youth facilities.

Councillor Sophie O’Connell, who has championed the fund, said she was delighted it was being continued.

She told The Herald: “I am so relieved and grateful that Seaton Town Council has agreed to continue its support of Seaton’s young people by keeping the funding already saved, as well as raising another �32,500 to go into the youth fund, which will now total over �62k.

“In total there were 315 signatures and 24 emails, which were absolutely fundamental in asking Seaton Town Council to continue asking for just �10 per household, per year, to build up a ring-fenced fund for dedicated youth facilities.

“I really want to thank everyone who has taken the time to email or sign the petition, I feel very privileged to live in a town where, despite all of its recent troubles, it has united to support the most vulnerable members of its community.”