RATEPAYERS in Barnton are facing a 10 per cent increase in their precept, which is due to be set at the end of the month.

An intial report from parish clerk Roy Garton revealed two additional requests for funding from village organistaions.

These requests are for £4,000 to fund the Northwich playscheme, which would run during the summer for primary school pupils and £2,545 from the parish plan group.

Mr Garton said: "There is little scope for any additional requests.

"To add these two additions would mean an increase of just over 10 per cent.

He said this year the parish council had donated £2,500 to various organisations and suggested £1,000 for next year.

Mr Garton said he was not sure if Barnton Youth Club needed the £2,000 which was given to them this year.

"They will have to put in a request if they do want more funding, " he said.

Meanwhile the budget for the Police Community Support Officer is £8,000 because £3,000 has been carried over to add to this amount.

Mr Garton added an increase of . £3,000 would be required for 2009/10.

Parish Clr Angela Robinson said the rise was not the end of the world.

She said: "Although 10 per cent is quite a substantial increase, the village will benefit by a lot more."

The precept is due to be set at the next parish council meeting which takes place at the memorial hall in Townfield Lane, on Monday, January 28 at 7pm.