Dawn Gibbins MBE, Martin Bailey and John Saville-Crowther were amonth the many who made their views known

The people of Congleton say NO to stealth tax!

Something like 100 local residents turned out to protect about a planned 'stealth' tax. Under the scheme, business owners with more than four chairs outside have to pay £550 for a licence in the first year and a further £330 for an annual renewal. Those with fewer than four chairs will have to pay £150 initially, then a £100 annual fee.

Organiser of the protest, Congleton town councillor John Saville-Crowther: "We are trying to encourage people into the town, but Cheshire East is frightening everyone away with its bullying tactics. We want the council to think twice about this policy and if nothing changes then there's nothing to stop us from setting our own chairs out in the High Street. It's a public right of way."

Dawn Gibbins MBE, who supported the sit-in added: "It is all so unnecessary and penny-pinching. We are working so hard to bring visitors into the town and then the council goes and brings in these charges and undoes all our hard work. Come on people of Congleton - join us and make your voice heard."