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The man behind a yellow vest-type protest in Somerset says he expects protesters will cause "disruption" in the town, but says he wants the action to be legal.

Jason Dowle vowed to "fight back" against "lunatic" politicians after news that councillors at Sedgemoor District Council are to receive a 32 per cent increase in their allowance.

Mr Dowle, who served in the British Army for 23 years, has also become dissatisfied with the financial cuts to public services and lack of transparency from council and government.

He is organising an event where protesters will march through Bridgwater from the docks to the council offices on Sunday, December 30, and every Sunday thereafter.

The local businessman, who said he recently had to close his tool company due to rising costs, has said local councils "cannot do this to people" and has called for a new "Battle of Sedgemoor".

Protesters are expected to bring "whistles, flags, air horns, fireworks and anything that makes noise" to the protest.

The event aims to mimic the recent demonstrations in France as the yellow vest movement protested against rising fuel costs, the high cost of living and claims the burden of government tax reforms is falling on the working class.

But Mr Dowle stressed any protest action should stay within the law.

Mr Dowle told Somerset Live he has been struck by the hundreds of messages he received after sharing his campaign on Facebook.

"I have been getting a lot of emails and messages through Facebook of support but a lot of people have said it's been outrageous", he said.

"My aim here is to act like the French where you have small groups all over the place.

"If enough people turn up, we can break off and spread out throughout the town."

The army veteran says he aims to have between 50-100 protesters turn up on December 30 and cause "disruption" around the town.

This could include stopping traffic by pushing buttons at pedestrian crossings Mr Dowle suggested.

Members of the protest will be also be encouraged to create banners to share their dissatisfaction and spread their message.

Despite these methods, Jason Dowle is keen to ensure the protest remains legal and safe.

He said: "Whatever we will do is within the law. It will cause some disturbance but it is important to do this."

"I know it will not be popular and some people will be upset with the disruption but I feel we need to make a stand.

"I'm hoping that there will be enough people to start something. The politicians aren't listening to us."

After the initial first protest, he hopes others will be able to take over the campaign.

What was the original Facebook post?

Mr Dowle has been using social media to mobilise protesters for the event.

On Facebook he wrote: "We are being robbed and just letting it happen!

"A 36 per cent pay increase for the Council Executive? That is £36 extra on every £100 you earn? £360 extra on every £1,000."

He attached a graphic with the following message: "It's time to fight back.

"On Sunday, December 30, and every Sunday until they listen. A day of protest. Let's start something they hear in Westminster.

"Wear a yellow vest and at 10am we will start walking towards the Sedgemoor District Council offices, Kings Square from Admirals Landing, The Docks, Bridgwater.

"Bring whistles, flags, air horns, fireworks and anything that makes noise."

Sedgemoor District Council's response

A council spokesman told Somerset Live: "Sedgemoor District Council recognises and respect the democratic right of residents to protest in a peaceful manner."

She explained the pay increase is to bring executive members' allowance from £5.40 per hour to £9 per hour and reflects increasing working hours of councillors.

Executive members are responsible for running the multi-million pound business of Sedgemoor District Council and the services that it delivers to its residents.

She added: "Sedgemoor District Council are not cutting budgets or services.

"Sedgemoor has increased services in the past year; introducing Somerset Independent Plus as well as taking over responsibility from Somerset County Council of the 'Supporting People' scheme.

"Sedgemoor has also provided additional support for people claiming Universal Credit."

What do you think about the yellow vest protest in Bridgwater? Are you going to take part? Got a Bridgwater or West Somerset story to share? Email me at michael.taylor@reachplc.com or call 01935 709742.

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