n OCTOBER: Former mayor Adrian Ward attacks Malvern Town Council's efforts over the Christmas lights display and raises the question of a referendum on its future. Also raising the question of rising costs associated with the refurbishment of the former Manders building as a council office, Mr Ward said of the council: "It seems everything it does turns to crisis."

The council responds by publishing a list of its achievements and challenges him to "put up or shut up".

n NOVEMBER: Mr Ward says he has gathered sufficient support to call a public meeting to discuss the need for and effectiveness of the town council.

n DECEMBER: Malvern trader Lee Harrison launches petition in protest at the Christmas lights. Town council defends the display saying it is the first stage in building a display for the longer term after the old lights failed safety tests.

n JANUARY: Town council agrees a Council Tax rise of 61 per cent - an average levy of £92.27 - with an inflation limited rise for the next three years. The council says the rise will help fund a five-year programme of investment in Malvern's community assets. Malvern Hills District Council reveals it will incur a £25,000 Government penalty due to the extent of the rise.

n FEBRUARY: Around 600 people turn out to a meeting at The Forum to discuss the performance of the town council, which is not officially represented but sends a solicitor to monitor what is said. Meeting moves away from calls for abolition but demands resignation of entire council and clerk by March 7. Town council votes to commission "external accountants and solicitors" to examine decisions of the previous council but five councillors resign saying the electorate should give it a "clear mandate".

n MARCH: Council votes to reduce Council Tax rise to 47.9 per cent, saying it is meeting a request from MHDC to reduce its budget in order to cut the Government penalty. Its pledge over inflation only rises for the next three years is dropped. Opponents form Malvern Town Action Group to put up candidates for by-elections caused by the resignation of councillors. Meeting called for April 4 to press for referendum. Town council queries legality of the meeting before deciding to chair it. Sixth town councillor resigns.

n APRIL: Town council by-elections set for June 14 as seventh councillor resigns citing personal reasons. Town meeting calls for referendum on the question of whether town councillors should resign.