The Town Council is about to start considering setting the budget and precept (the money you pay to the Town Council for Ryde as part of your Council Tax bill) for Ryde in 2017-18. This year the Town Council has delivered a wider range of local services including youth services, public toilets, allotments, a skatepark, decorative lighting, beach safety, beach cleaning and planting schemes as well as funding a dedicated Environment Officer for the town who deals with dog fouling, graffiti and other environmental issues. Councillors will will now be considering where the budget should be allocated in the future whilst also deciding on how it can ensure the continued provision of services usually provided by the Isle of Wight Council – the provision of public parks is likely to be the most at risk. Have your say by contacting your local town councillor, by emailing the Town Council or by writing to us with your views using the contact details above.