RESIDENTS are facing a town council tax hike of more than 30 per cent to fund the future of 'Dartmouth plc', mayor Paul Allen has declared.

The council needs the extra £1.20 a month the average tax hike will cost every council tax payer in the town to fund things like the town's £250,000 commitment to the new indoor swimming pool.

The council will also have to find the cash needed to fund maintenance work to the town's historic Butterwalk complex, the Old Market and the Boatfloat.

And on top of that the council, needs to top up its savings, explained Cllr Allen has he made the annual 'state of the nation' speech to the town's annual town meeting.

The town council voted in January to increase its share of the tax bill from an average of £48.85 a year to £61.33 – making it one of the biggest parish increases in the South Hams.

As he outlined the year's council business at the Guildhall meeting, Cllr Allen said: 'The town council is committed to the swimming pool.

'We now have a programme for rolling maintenance and we need functional reserves.

'Dartmouth never has been a council for keeping money in the piggy bank but functional reserves are now part of something we have had to put in.'

He said the tax increase worked out at £1.20 a month and added: 'That's for the purpose of keeping Dartmouth plc in good order for the future.'

During his speech, Cllr Allen talked about the major refurbishment to the Old Market and restoration work that needs to be carried out to the front and rear of the Butterwalk.

He talked about the Olympic torch relay, the regatta and the Queen's jubilee celebrations which all took place last year.

But he said the 'main event of the year' had been the international Tour of Britain cycle race visit to the town which he described as a 'super day'.

He spoke about the council's proposals to spend £8,000 to £10,000 on new Christmas lights to replace those around the boatfloat, the council financial commitment to the new swimming pool and the major town festivals.

And he ended by inviting any members of the public to sit down with him for a chat to discuss issues in the town – as long as they telephone first.

'Anyone who wants to sit down with the mayor over a cup of coffee in the morning is welcome,' he said.