Town's council preparing to freeze precept at £443,650

DAWLISH Town Council is to vote on plans to keep the precept the same as last year, but to continue to support events including Dawlish Air Show.

"The council has been working hard to reduce administrative costs by 14 per cent over two years, and we will put those savings to the service of Dawlish," explained finance committee chairman Cllr Michael Clayson.

"We will also be looking to reinvest the proceeds from the sale of 34, Park Road, and to bring forward capital projects for which we having been saving money over the years."

If agreed the budget proposals would see the precept frozen at £443,650 with the council investing a third of this sum in regeneration and community support. Emma Kay has begun work as the first ever town centre manager for Dawlish and Teignmouth. The budget recommendations include a special fund of £15,000 to support her work in Dawlish.

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The council will also be continuing their 'promoting Dawlish' initiative, with support for tourism at Dawlish Warren. The committee has identified three key organisations to be offered special funding to help see them through a difficult time for the voluntary sector.

Those set to benefit include: Red Rock Centre (£10,000), Community Transport (£5,000) and the Volunteer Bureau (£5,000).

Other community groups are invited to bid for grants from a £20,000 grants fund.

Support for Dawlish Air Show has been identified as a priority, and proposed sponsorship of £5,000 for the event is included in the grants fund.

There is also substantial funding for community activities which will celebrate the completion of the Strand works and the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

"2013 is when change comes to Dawlish, we want the year to be remembered as a time of celebration for us all," said Cllr Clayson.

"If it also draws in more tourists to spend money in our shops and cafes, so much the better."

Dawlish Town Council no longer directly manages the Lawn area, but the proposed budget includes provision of £100,000 to support improvements by Teignbridge Council to the park and the Brook.

It is understood the district council is preparing suggestions for public consultation later in the year.

"We have recalibrated our spending so without charging our taxpayers any more than they pay already we are in a position to help make Dawlish a stronger and more attractive community for us to live and work in," said Cllr Clayson.

The proposed budget will go to the town council for approval on February 6.