A DURHAM residents' group planning to enter the political arena has announced its objectives.

The Durham Taxpayers' Alliance has been formed by people angry at the 14.8 per cent council tax increase levied by Durham County Council.

The alliance plans to field candidates in the next county, district, borough and city council elections.

And it hopes to attract from people disillusioned with established, mainstream political parties.

Its objectives including campaigning for a progressive reduction in council tax and a 'dramatic revision' in the way the Government funds councils - one of the factors blamed for the county's council tax hike.

The alliance claims that the region suffers because Scotland gets better funding - enough to wipe out council tax for most households.

It also wants a referendum to be held each year on the total council tax bill including district, parish and police precepts.

The alliance also says it will campaign 'for the delivery of high standards of public service', claiming the Government does not give the county's councils "proper levels of funding''.

Founder member Bob West of Gilesgate Moor said: "The Durham Taxpayers Alliance has been formed to give the people of Durham an alternative voice in the politics of the region.

"We are fed up with the excessive cost of local government and government in general, the delivery of poor quality public services and the betrayal of the people of Durham by Tony Blair's New Labour.

"It is time for the people of Durham to have their say, unfettered and ungagged by traditional political allegiances.''

Mr West said the alliance had support from supporters of the three main parties and people with no political allegiance.

Anyone wanting more information should write to Durham Taxpayers' Alliance, 9 Wilson Crescent, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, DH1 1PF.