A SOUTHAMPTON couple are hoping to join thousands of protestors this Saturday who are determined to tell Tony Blair that council tax is just not fair.

Paul and Wendy Day, of Pennine Road, Millbrook, are typical of many local families who work hard but still struggle to make ends meet because of the soaring bills.

With two teenage children to support on a limited income, the Days are anxious about where they will find the money to fund any future rises.

Paul works as a labourer and Wendy, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, stays at home to look after their children.

They live in a Band A house and have to pay £72 a month in council tax.

Wendy said: "It is a real worry and after paying council tax we barely have enough money for anything else. Putting food on the table is the worst in our house. Logically, it costs about £120 per week to feed a family of four like ours but we struggle on about £60. It's ridiculous and there are a lot of people in our situation. If it goes up any more, I don't know what we will do."

Paul will definitely be taking part in the protest in London on Saturday and is crossing his fingers that Wendy's mobility problems will not stop her from joining him.

The Metropolitan Police say they are expecting as many as 20,000 people to take part in the rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Isitfair. The national protest movement for council tax reform has collected 35,000 signatures on a

petition and has 24 local groups.

Campaigners were due to march down Whitehall to Downing Street to present the petition, but police have now insisted that only a small deputation should be allowed to do this due to the huge numbers expected. Local campaign groups have coaches going to the event from Bishop's Waltham and Winchester.

Anyone who wants to go should contact Rosemary Conway on 01962 861277.