HOUSEHOLDERS in Kirkbymoorside will pay an extra 23p a week as a result of the town council increasing its precept from next April.

Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Richardson said the council was budgeting a precept on the council tax of £58,000 for the year 2006-2007, which would amount to £12.16 per person for the year.

He said: "The council is responsible for a wide range of property and services and the precept covers nearly all of this expenditure."

He added that it also provided the new council office in The Shambles, which had already proved a valuable asset to residents seeking advice.

In addition to funding the maintenance and insurance of its amenities, Coun Richardson said that the council had introduced two new services - providing funding for keeping footpaths safe during snow and ice and improving the appearance of the landmark roundabout at the junction of the entrance to the town and the A170 road.

Coun Richardson said that the new precept would also be used for the next phase of the development of a cemetery in the town.

* Kirkbymoorside has recognised two of its best-known personalities.

Long-serving councillor and stalwart of many organisations, John Bowes, and voluntary worker and historian Robin Butler, have each named Citizen of the Year by the town council.

Mr Bowes recently retired after being a member of the council since 1969, and is president of the town's brass band, while Mr Butler, a retired blacksmith welder, gives demonstrations to school parties at the Ryedale Folk Museum.

Coun Richardson, said: "They have both given sterling service to Kirkbymoorside over many years.

"They have contributed significantly to the life of the town and well deserve the honours."