NORTH Weald Bassett Parish Council has agreed to increase its share of council tax bills by 39p a month (for a Band D household) – a five per cent increase on last year.

The council’s spending for the next financial year includes play area repairs, the majority of which will be spent on the Weald Common Play area, while new steps are to be installed by the bridge between Higham View and Weald Common.

The parish council also maintains and pays for numerous street lights and funds CCTV cameras at various locations throughout the Parish, organises the annual remembrance services and events, maintains the North Weald Cemetery and many of the open spaces in the Parish, including the new Weald Common Wood and sensory garden.

The council also manages four allotments sites.