THE controversial purchase of a town centre landmark is costing Bromyard taxpayers £35,000 a year.

Bromyard & Winslow Town Council (BTC) has increased its precept by 45% since buying the Rowberry Street office complex.

The claims were made before councillors agreed to increase their 2011/12 precept to £141,701.

The 1.9% rise will increase the average council tax bill in Bromyard by £1.74 next year, with BTC claiming £91.67 per annum.

Councillors agreed to increase car parking charges and cut £2,000 from the town marketing committee.

They also toyed with scrapping the Bromyard in Bloom campaign in a heated last-minute discussion on cutting costs.

The Hereford Times first reported last year that Bromyard residents were paying the highest council tax rates in Herefordshire.

The precept has soared from £100,000 in 2006/07 since BTC bought the office complex and car park for six-figures.

Councillor Trevor Smith said the deal was costing £35,000 a year and that BTC would never make ownership cost-effective.

He also accused the council of dishonesty by raising the precept to cover the running costs, but later withdrew his comment.

Town clerk Mike Cresswell confirmed the figures were correct, but stated that other parts of the centre were not yet utilised.