COUNCIL tax payers in Wivenhoe face their precept going up by one-third.

A Band D home will pay an extra £19.95 a year towards the town council - equivalent to 37 pence per week.

Members of Wivenhoe Town Council approved the 32 per cent rise at a meeting yesterday evening, and said a large reduction in grant from Colchester Council and changes to the way government distributes cash had contributed towards the hike.

A newsletter will be sent to all homes in Wivenhoe explaining the council tax rise and the reasons behind it once Colchester Council has confirmed its decision.