ALTON town councillors gave themselves a pat on the back as they voted unanimously to adopt a reduced precept for the fifth successive year, but a reminder was issued that this is unlikely to make much difference to council tax payers in the town.

"The amount we levy is very small in the overall council tax burden, but at least we can reduce it a little bit," commented deputy mayor David Farr at Thursday's full council meeting last week.

"In the light of further government cut-backs", the likely rise in the precepts levied by Hampshire County Council (76 per cent of the total council tax bill) and East Hampshire (13 per cent), would well overshadow the town council's small percentage, he pointed out.

Nonetheless, councillors were keen to congratulate in particular town clerk Colin Gay and his staff on what was described by councillor Jerry Janes as "a very tangible result of prudent book-keeping".

"Once again the town council is able to reduce the precept coupled with an imaginative budget which will bring about improvements for all our citizens," council leader Bob Booker said, introducing the recommendation to adopt the £180,000 levy.

The budgets proposals combined an "increase in the level and quality of our services, coupled with a reduction in overheads," he said.

Typical of the achievement was the "very high standard of children's playgrounds and equipment in all the major recreation areas and the replacement of the grounds maintenance quipment by new and more efficient machinery.

"This has allowed us to absorb new areas for maintenance without any increase in employee numbers."

The council had also acquired a new source of income through the transfer of the Market Square from district to town ownership, in lettings to the weekly market stallholders.

"The expected profits will contribute to our very favourable financial position so that this year we are able to make a further substantial reduction to our precept," said Mr Booker.

It was not a standstill budget, he pointed out. "On the contrary, as well as being prudent in the operation of our routine services, there is also significant growth in our new or enhanced services."

A sum of £39,000 had been earmarked for new projects, "all of which will bring tangible benefits for our community". Notable among these was £2,000 for restoration of Kings Pond, £2,000 for Butts tree management, £2,000 for an additional edition of the town newsletter, a £14,000 grant to the Millennium Committee and £2,000 for bus shelters and public seating.

"In addition, reserves have been put aside for funding for some of our long-term projects so that hopefully these can be implemented without making a charge upon our ratepayers," Mr Booker continued.

"In keeping with previous years, only a modest increase in charges for sports and recreational facilities is envisaged for next year.

"The level of charges has been ratified and increases below current levels of inflation have been incorporated in the projected level of income.

"Furthermore, as a result of prudent financial planning, the town council has no debt burden having repaid all outstanding loans a few years ago."