BLACKROD residents should not have to pay more to fund their town council, a councillor says.

Blackrod Town Council Graham Farrington was speaking after his fellow council members gave the green light to proposals to raise the amount Blackrod residents will pay for town council services.

The proposals, which would mean rate-paying residents of the village would pay an extra £1.53 per year, are yet to be approved by Bolton Council.

Last year the overall precept received from Bolton Council was £49,900 and, if the current proposals are approved, it will stand at several thousand more.

Cllr Farrington said that while he believes the town council provides a good service for local people, there should not be an increase in the levy while people are struggling financially.

He said: “There was an increase in the rate last year and I didn’t want to see another one this year, because it is a difficult financial situation for many people. Some are struggling to live.”

The money will be used for a host of services, including providing numerous donations to community groups, charities and other organisations in the village.

Town councillors are not paid for their work.

It is also used for certain services in and around the village where agreed upon by the town council.

Cllr Farrington said he felt adjustments could have been found in the proposed budget which would have negated the need for any rise.

He added: “In some cases I think they are planning for the same things twice over because the service is already provided by Bolton Council.

“I just thought there were opportunities to trim it down easily in several places.”

Last year, the former deputy leader of the Bolton Conservative group, Andy Morgan, suggested that there was little need for the borough’s three town councils in Horwich, Westhoughton and Blackrod, sparking anger from those sitting on those authorities.

Cllr Farrington argued that the councils offer a “great service” for the people they represent, but that making people fork out more money will not help to convince residents of that.

He added: “It doesn’t help at all. I’m aware that some people think town councils are not worthwhile.

“I think the councillors, who give up their time voluntarily, offer an important service for local people — I just don’t think those people should be paying more than they already do.”