PARISH council power is to be used to fight the withdrawal of grants for open spaces and play areas across South Somerset, amid fears the elderly will be left to foot the bill.

Winsham Parish Council have written to other town and parish councils to rally support to object to South Somerset District Council's plan to axe recreational maintenance grants in 2006.

The cuts will push the £128,843 burden of funding recreational facilities onto parish councils, who will have to raise the cash through their share of the council tax or consider cutting back on recreational facilities.

Chard Town council last night (Monday, January 19) voted to support the campaign.