CAMPAIGNERS angry at the prospect of soaring council tax bills have taken their protest to Downing Street.

Members of the Salisbury and Dorset Is It Fair? campaign joined Saturday's march opposing the spiralling bills and urging the government to scrap council tax in favour of a fairer alternative.

Over 2,500 people of all ages started the rally in Trafalgar Square before marching to Number Ten where they handed over a petition containing 42,000 signatures.

"It was very successful day and showed the campaign is gathering momentum," said local organiser Nick Sherman from Sixpenny Handley.

"There is no doubt the recent noises made by Is It Fair? have come to the attention of Downing Street."

Both Salisbury district and Wiltshire county councils fear they will be left cash strapped after central government gave them less money than they hoped to pay for public services.

Although accountants are still working out the final bills for 2004/05 due to be announced next month, senior councillors warn increases are likely.

But Is It Fair?, backed by the Royal British Legion, say this is unacceptable and councils should expect more direct action if bills are hiked up again.

"There are lots of people here in south Wiltshire who have cancelled their final payment in protest," said Mr Sherman.

"Many people on lower incomes can't afford to stay in their own homes because the bills are so high.

"So much money is being wasted and we're expected to cover it.

"We think council tax should be scrapped altogether in favour of a system based on a person's ability to pay."

To keep council tax down local government minister Nick Raynsford has threatened to cap local authorities that introduce large rises, claiming there is no need for excessive bills or cutbacks in services.

But members of Is It Fair? are not convinced.

"In fact it makes me more pessimistic because I fear the government will try to do just enough to divert attention," added Mr Sherman.

"Last year the rises were in double figures so if they get it down to below ten per cent that might seem acceptable but inflation is still only at two per cent."

In light of the protests the Local Government Association has proposed a series of measures to replace council tax that they plan to discuss with government ministers.

"There is growing consensus around the belief that council tax needs reform," said chairman Sir Jeremy Beecham.

"Local voters need to know who is to praise or blame for good and bad spending decisions. The process of consultation we embark on today should kick off a real debate to build that reform."

To find out more about the campaign visit www.isitfair.co.uk.