A GROUP of residents at a Newport caravan park joined forces to fight council tax rebanding.

Some of the residents at Lighthouse Park in St Brides have moved from Band A to Band C in the recent Welsh rebanding - an increase of £182.36 per household.

Now 45 locals have formed a group to fight the council tax increases.

Tom Suller, 61, a St Brides community councillor and resident at the site, said: "It's ridiculous - we were all A before and don't understand why some have gone up and others haven't."

He insists it is unfair and that many of the residents cannot afford the increases. He said: "Most of us are pensioners - we've come here to retire and we're certainly not rich!"

But those hit hardest by council tax rebanding in Newport could get the chance to shave £100 off their bills.

An Assembly discount initiative is due to be recommended by the city council's cabinet tomorrow.

People eligible for the proposed scheme must be:

* liable to pay tax on a house which is their sole or main home; * aged 65 or over on April 1, 2006;

* subject to a second council tax band increase after last year's revaluation; * not receiving council tax benefit;

* paying council tax on the property on March 31, 2005.

Council leader Bob Bright said: "We are proud that Newport's council tax is the second lowest in Wales.

" However, we recognise the burden that some householders face in paying their bills . "This scheme will help those who have been most disadvantaged by last year's rebanding."

If approved by full council, people thought to be eligible will be sent a claim form separately from their council tax notice.