PENSIONERS demanding lower council tax rates have stepped up their campaign with the launch of a petition.

Some 200 forms have already dropped through the letterboxes of community groups and residents' associations.

And Frank Avenell, secretary of the Swindon Fairness for Pensioners Group which is co-ordinating the operation vows more will follow.

Despite Swindon Council's pledge earlier this week to do everything it can to keep the increase to a single figure, the 82-year-old campaigner insists the pressure needs to be kept up.

Now the group is planning to send at least another 300 to homes and stores.

This latest tactic comes as the cash-strapped council consults the public on three possible council tax increases of five per cent, seven and a half per cent and 10 per cent. People are being asked to tick boxes of schemes they would rather see scrapped to save cash.

One of the options includes shutting two care homes, which would immediately slash £750,000 from the council's budget.

The result of the public consultation will be reported to the cabinet on February 4 in time for the announcement of the budget on February 12.

Mr Avenell said: "The deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Local Government minister Nick Raynsford have clearly stated they do not think a double-figure increase is justified. This group supports that."

The Second World War veteran says he is prepared to risk prison by refusing to pay a steep increase.

The group intends to present the petition to council leader Mike Bawden on the steps of the council house next month.

Mr Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "If Mr Avenell wants to launch a petition that is entirely up to him.

"I would urge him however, to attend a public meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 21 at 11am in the Civic Offices so we can discuss this matter further.

"The meeting has been specifically arranged at this time so pensioners do not have to worry about going out in the dark."

Anyone wishing to obtain forms can call Mr Avenell on 01793 430899

The Local Government Association has called for council tax to be scrapped and replaced with a local income tax, along with new taxes on vehicles, tourism, congestion and sales of goods and homes.