Council to increase share of tax by 35%

That means the precept for 2008-9 will be just half a per cent less than its past four years precepts combined.

But while residents may be dismayed by the decision, which was agreed on Monday, the council says it is the only way to give them what they want.

The increase will generate an extra £35,000 a year for the council, taking its council tax income to £292,741.

The funds will be used to undertake urgent repairs and some will be set aside so a sustainable maintenance programme can be introduced.

It will also allow the council to upgrade the building with full disabled access.

Currently, there is no disabled access to the upper hall and the building was recently struck off Hambleton District Council's list of suitable places to hold public meetings.

Another serious problem is the damp floor in the lower hall, which, if not addressed, would render the room unusable and community groups without a meeting place.

The money will also pay for a grounds-keeper and for a new vandal-proof fence for the Bankhead Road play area, which has an ongoing vandalism problem.

Northallerton mayor John Prest said: "People want the council to be proactive, provide more and improve facilities. We can only provide more if we get more, that's the thing.

"Yes, I appreciate it is a big increase.

I really do. But there is so much work that needs doing.

Hopefully, we have grasped the nettle this time, so next year it won't be anything like this much.

"Somebody had to do it and, unfortunately, I'm in the chair.

We are running a business and we have got to do the best for the town that we can and nothing comes cheaply."

Sue Fraser, town clerk, said: "We had a conditioning survey done for the building and are developing a five to ten-year plan because it has been neglected somewhat in the past.

"Previously, it was fixed and maintained as problems arose rather than undergoing a sustained improvement programme to get the building to standard."