On 24th November, the Council held its budget meeting and spent time looking carefully at where we can reduce costs without reducing the quality of life for our residents.
We explored a number of ideas, including:
- Identifying areas where small reductions could ease overall costs
- Looking at opportunities for external sponsorship, especially for items that residents really enjoy
- Finding creative ways to generate income, rather than cutting valued services
Christmas Lights & Sponsorship
One of the items discussed was our Christmas lights, which are loved by the majority of our community. Rather than reducing them, we talked about whether local businesses might like to sponsor sections of the lights, helping us keep them shining while easing pressure on the budget.
We also explored whether sponsored banners could be placed on lighting columns at certain times of the year. This could create a new income stream that directly benefits the town and helps reduce costs for residents.
Grass Cutting – Smarter Approach, Better Results
The Council also looked at grass-cutting arrangements. Instead of simply cutting more often, we discussed a more efficient and higher-quality approach:
- Fewer cuts, but with cuttings collected
- This means less grass left lying on verges and pathways
- It keeps key areas looking tidier, even with fewer cuts
- And it may provide better value overall
The focus is on prioritising what matters most: keeping important areas neat and usable, while managing resources responsibly.
These discussions are part of our ongoing commitment to:
- being transparent
- planning responsibly
- keeping our town a bright, welcoming place
- and finding practical solutions that support everyone
We’ll continue sharing updates as options develop and as always, we welcome constructive ideas from our residents.
