Portland residents could see a 50 per cent hike in their council tax payments to the island town council.

Last night councillors voted to host an special meeting that could see a the island precept for a Band D properties jump from £7.99 to £11.99 a year.

The rise would mean an extra £15,000 a year to pay for projects including new benches, lighting and CCTV.

Island deputy mayor Tim Munro said council tax payers currently pay £5.33 a year in band A, £6.21 in band D, £7.10 in C and £7.99 in D.

"This equates to around two pence a day," he said. "And what do they get for that 2p a day? Nothing - nothing tangible, nothing beneficial, just photocopy paper and telephone bills.

"The time has come to show leadership and commitment to a better Portland - it's time to deliver a better deal to the precept payer.

"We could have better-kept verges, improved toilets, improved lights, lights at Fortuneswell, lights at the sea wall, CCTV at Tophill."

He added: "And we could do all this for 7.5p a week from a band D property, 5p from a band A and 6p a week in band B.

"This council has been criticised for achieving nothing. Residents will continue to not see or feel the worth of the council unless we produce tangible, measurable benefits."

Last night's meeting was due to see councillors voting to set next year's budget. An increase of three per cent had been earmarked at a gathering of the council's finance and projects committee the previous week.

But Coun Munro added: "Those voting for little or no increase are voting for no change, no achievement and no benefits.

"Those voting for the increase are voting for change, achievement and benefits."

Coun Jennifer Collinge said she was worried that Portland Town Council 'might step on the borough council's toes' by doing jobs already paid for by the higher authority.

Coun Ian Phelps said: "The people may give us stick at the moment but over 2006 - 2007 they will have something to show for it."

Coun Elspie Price said: "Once we've agreed, we've got to ask the people of Portland what they want."

But Weymouth and Portland mayor Les Ames added: "We've got to lead."

Members agreed to hold a special meeting at the town council offices next Thursday to decide the precept and to discuss projects the extra cash will be spent on.