RESIDENTS protested against the sharp increase in council tax and hissed and booed members at an open forum.

More than 100 people packed the Carrington Room at the Risborough Centre, Stratton Road, Princes Risborough, on May 24.

Many were there to complain about the rise in council tax and the new skateboard facility in King George V playing fields but they left bitter and angry at not having enough time to ask questions.

Chairman of the Town Council David Allworth said at the beginning of the meeting at 8pm that he was aiming to finish by 10pm.

But when he closed the meeting at that time, there were boos and cries of shame.

John Mason, a former town councillor, stood up at the meeting and slammed the 48.9 per cent increase in the town council's share of the council tax, from £121,000 to £180,000.

A motion in three parts was put forward saying the electors, 'deplore the action of the Town Council in setting a precept of £180,000,' asked the town council to reconsider plans and limit its expenditure.

Chairman of the finance committee Ben Benifer said the large increase was necessary due to the need for a new council building because disabled people have to have access to town council meetings by law.

The motion was passed by the residents at the meeting but is not binding on the council.