COUNCIL tax payers in East Hampshire look set to see an average total rise of five percent in their bills next year following the announcement of the new figures this week.

But Alton folk have the consolation of knowing that they are paying less than residents of Petersfield, Liphook and Whitehill, with only Horndean of the district's major settlements being recommended a slightly lower figure than the town's £839.65 for a Band D property.

A full version of this story will be found in the Alton Herald of February 11, 2000.