AMMANFORD Town Councillors say that a five per cent tax increase will not solely fund a new statue.

In a statement released to the press, Town Clerk Miriam Phillips stated that the increase was necessary to fund last June's elections and to increase the budget for street lighting.

She added: "We have also allocated a sum of money for future projects within the community.

"A feasibility study has already taken place on the possibility of a riverside walk and this is something that we will be looking at over the next financial year, as well as improvements to local play areas."

In 2001, the council consulted with community groups to commission a work of art for the town, to reflect its history and heritage.

They say that 75 per cent of the £40,000 project will be paid for with Lottery funding.

Mrs Phillips added: "In financial terms a 5 per cent increase gives the town council an extra £1,615 which equates to just over £1 per household.

"It is a tribute to the responsible management of the budget and the sensitiveness of my members to local needs that have allowed us to keep increases to our precept at a minimum."