Skatepark renovations, solar panels for leisure centres and an extended swimming season have all been earmarked as part of North Herts Council's 2023/24 budget.

The budget was approved by councillors at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, February 23.

As part of the council's goal to make operations carbon neutral by 2030, solar panels will be installed on the leisure centres in Letchworth and Royston, and at Hitchin's swim centre - to the tune of £720k.

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£250k will be spent on the renovation of the skatepark in King George V Recreation Ground in Hitchin, and £100k to renovate and update the skatepark at Newmarket Road in Royston.

The extension of the Outdoor Pool season at Letchworth for a further year will cost £20k, and there will be £50k additional funding for one year to support the work of North Herts CVS, North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum and Citizens Advice.

£30k over three years will support the extension of the Chiltern Area of Outstanding National Beauty; while £100k has been earmarked for the creation of a Community Wealth Fund.

The refurbishment of Charnwood, the former Museum site in Hitchin, into a community hub will cost £400k.

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, leader of the council, said: “We know lots of people are struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis and inflation. As a council, we too have to work hard to balance the books.

"We’ve looked closely at where we can make savings, and sensibly spend some of our reserves so that we can maintain our key services, deliver some extra support to you, and invest in the district with our larger capital projects.

"But the impact of inflation and energy costs on our budget cannot be underplayed, along with our continuing recovery from the pandemic. We’re increasing council tax – at a rate significantly below inflation - to protect essential services and deliver the things you’ve told us matter most to you.”

If you are struggling with the cost of living, visit www.north-herts.gov.uk/EasingTheSqueeze