INDEPENDENT councillors in Chard have launched a blistering attack on Lib Dems, calling their support for the nationwide Axe the Tax petition "political opportunism".

The campaign, which aims to persuade the Government to replace council tax with a fairer system, attracted nearly 500 signatures in two hours when it was unveiled locally at Chard Guildhall.

Cllr Jill Shortland, the Lib Dem deputy leader of Somerset County Council, responded: "This campaign is about all of us standing up for the people we represent."

"Axe the Tax is a nationwide campaign and we, as councillors are just bringing it to the attention of the public."

For the full story see the News, January 14.