A TOWN council has defended a rise in council tax.

West Mersea Town Council has increased its precept from £50.66 to £59.30 per Band D household.

The decision has been criticised by some residents.

Dave Tucker, town council clerk, said: “We do not have the most expensive precept in the Borough as some have said.

“We have to provide services and have lost a Colchester council grant.

“Once revenue from parking charges are taken into account we may even be looking at a reduction next year.”