TAXPAYERS across Weston are facing almost a 50 per cent increase in their annual bill from Weston Town Council.

TAXPAYERS across Weston are facing almost a 50 per cent increase in their annual bill from Weston Town Council.

At a full council meeting last week Conservative members voted overwhelmingly to approve this year's precept.

This means people living in a band D property will have to pay 28 pence per week more than last year for council services.

These include the award-winning Flower Power team, which works hard to make the resort look attractive, emptying dog bins and providing bus shelters.

Councillor Mark Canniford, who opposed the increase, said Conservative members were acting like 'kids in a candy store selecting pet projects'.

He said: "This country is facing a possible recession and a credit crunch and the administration is going to lump an additional 50 per cent on hard-working families and pensioners on fixed incomes."

However, council leader Cllr Keith Morris said: "It is less than the price of a chocolate bar and we feel it represents great value for the people of Weston."

Residents in Uphill have seen their annual £10,000 budget axed by the council which instead will go towards grants which can be allocated to small voluntary organisations, totalling £30,000 this year.