Ref. 26863-15PENSIONERS' champion Frank Avenell says he has now received more than 600 signatures demanding Swindon council bosses keep this year's tax down.

The secretary of the Swindon Fairness for Pensioners group has distributed hundreds of petition forms to dozens of working men's clubs and residents' associations across the town.

The 82-year-old veteran campaigner launched the petition almost a fortnight ago and said he was encouraged by the number of people who had signed.

He said: "Not one person has refused to sign. This is a clear message to the council that people are not happy and will not stand for another high increase."

As previously reported, Mr Avenell intends to present the petition to council leader Mike Bawden on the steps of the Civic Offices at the beginning of next month.

Following that announcement, more than 30 people have called Mr Avenell at his home in Beckhampton Street, asking for copies of the petition form.

"I am also getting stopped in the street by passers-by asking for the forms," he added.

"Luckily I always carry some copies on me, so I'm ready to give them out.

"One chap at the RAF Association club in Belle Vue Road took a collective form and came back with it a few minutes later full of names. People are getting behind this."

Mr Avenell insists the tide is turning in pensioners' favour, following criticism from central Government.

"The Government is putting a lot of pressure on Swindon Council not to impose high increases. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott's department, has also stated an increase of 10 per cent or more would not be justified."

Mr Avenell said he was determined to collect more than 1,000 names and would stop until he got there.

"It's looking very good so far. At the moment we are in the process of sending the forms to homes," he said.

Anyone wanting a form should phone 01793 430899.

Kevin Shoesmith