COUNCIL tax payers in Cleobury Mortimer face a 15 per cent hike in rate levels for the year ahead.

South Shropshire District Council meets tonight to set the council tax for 2003-4 and are expected to approve the increased budget demands.

The levels set for Cleobury Mortimer - including county, police, district and town council precepts - will range from £795.76 for Band A to £2,387.30 for Band H. The average Band D taxpayer will have to stump up £1,193.65. Residents in nearby Hopton Wafers face demands ranging from £774.94 (Band A) to ££1,162.43 (Band D) and to £2,324.86 (Band H).