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Yellow vest-type protests are set to erupt in Somerset as outrage has been expressed over councillors proposing to give themselves huge pay rises.

There have been violent demonstrations in France recently as the yellow vest movement protests against rising fuel costs, the high cost of living and claims the burden of Government tax reforms is falling on the working class.

Protesters wearing the iconic yellow vest are set to pour into the streets of Bridgwater, after local councillors proposed a 32 per cent expenses increase.

Sedgemoor District Council's Executive members voted through their own pay rise earlier this week, while simultaneously presiding over £150,000 in staff cuts.

As local services continue to be cut across the county, Jason Dowle is planning to "fight back" against "lunatic" councillors wanting to bolster their pay checks.

The local businessman, who has 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.

He said: "These lunatics think it's OK that they can give themselves pay rises well above inflation.

"The fact that they have even suggested that this is a reasonable pay increase just smacks of massive greed.

"The government and councils constantly say again and again that there is no money, and services must be cut, and everybody just believes this lie.

"We are constantly told that we are the fifth wealthiest country in the world, meanwhile public services continue to be cut, how can they possibly say that? Where is the money?"

Mr Dowle, who served in the British Army for 23 years, is organising the event where protesters will march through the town from the docks to the council offices on Sunday, December 30, and every Sunday thereafter.

He said: "People need to to stop writing on social media and actually do something.

"Let's start something they hear in Westminster. We will copy the French yellow vest protests.

He added: "Wear a yellow vest and at 10am we will start walking towards the Sedgemoor District Council offices.

"However you want to protest, it's up to you. Obey the law, don't wreck anything. Have a cup of tea, have a fag, walk the dog, just do something."

Mr Dowle recently had to close his business selling mechanical tools to the car industry across Somerset due to rising costs from his suppliers.

He said: "This country's a laughing stock, you can't do this to people.

"House prices have gone up, fuel prices have gone up, energy prices have gone up. Everybody is getting squeezed, everybody has less and less in their pocket.

"None of the hospital workers, police officers or bus drivers are getting pay rises well above inflation. Everybody in Somerset would love a pay rise."

Mr Dowle is calling for a new "Battle of Sedgemoor".

The Battle of Sedgemoor occurred in the summer of 1685, and was an attempt to seize the crown of England by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, from his uncle the Catholic King James II.

It was fought in what is now the village of Westonzoyland, four miles away from Bridgwater.

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

"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."

He added: "You have a choice. Accept being kicked like a obedient submissive dog or get off your arse and do something about it.

"The police, fire services, NHS services have been cut and cut. We've been sold a lie.

"Austerity? There is no money? Why can they find the money to give themselves such a large rise?"

Sedgemoor District Council has clarified that the proposed pay rise is 32 per cent.

The council has been approached for comment on the pay rise and the protests.

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