THE decision to increase Ilminster’s council tax precept by 39% continues to inspire heated debate this week.

Readers of the News on-line at chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news have been discussing the measure and Ilminster mayor Cllr Carol Goodall’s insistence that the tax hike is well supported in the town.

A News phone poll last week found that 94% of respondents did not agree with the measure and 6% backed the move.

The reaction was further discussed by Ilminster Town Council at last Tuesday’s finance and policy committee meeting and while some councillors had experienced complaints, many felt that overall there was a positive reaction from the town.

Town clerk Julia Thorne noted that there had not been any direct complaints handed into the town council offices in North Street.

Cllr Andrew Shearman received responses from around five people in the town and said: “The people I have spoken to were dead against it.

“But when I brought in the county council cutbacks that go into the town they began to understand it.”

Cllr Emma Jane Taylor added: “I have had several residents commenting on the newsletter, saying how positive they thought it was.”

o WHAT’S your view on the decision to put up the council tax precept in Ilminster by 39%? Do you support the investment in the new skate park and games area? You can e-mail your views to newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk, write to Postbag, Chard and Ilminster News, 3a Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1PH or comment on this story below.