A TOWN council will not ask taxpayers for an increase in precept this year, even though it is to increase its contingency fund by £5,000.

Councillor Eric Fell told a meeting of Barnard Castle Town Council on Monday that it was clear there would need to be some matched funding for any Market Town Initiative (MTI) projects and money was needed for celebrations for the Queen's golden jubilee.

"I would like the contingency fund raised from £500 to £5,500 and the cumulative fund from £518 to £5,518," he said.

There was also a debate on increasing the charge at the council's mini golf course by 33 per cent.

Councillor John Watson said the course needed substantial work which taxpayers should not have to subsidise.

Members voted to keep the 75p charge for adults.

Similarly, they decided not to increase allotment rents.

The precept is £36,500