NORTHWICH Town Council is bracing itself for a £25,000 election bill next May.

The council is expecting each of its wards to be contested in the next local elections, which would leave it carrying a hefty cost.

Clr Brian Jamieson raised the issue and its impact on the budget at the latest town council meeting.

"2015 will be significant if all wards are contested and we have to pay 50 per cent," he said.

"The budget precept will have to have £20,000 to £25,000 in it for the elections next May.

"When ours are on the same day as the borough the borough used to pay for elections but we have to consider the cost now.

"There are going to be considerable issues at the election."

Northwich Town Council is made up of 21 councillors who represent residents in five electoral wards.