COUNCIL boss Keith Waters portrayed himself as something of a grim reaper this week as he warned of the cost of keeping Council Tax rises to five per cent. Councillor Waters, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said by keeping the rise to five per

COUNCIL boss Keith Waters portrayed himself as something of a "grim reaper" this week as he warned of the cost of keeping Council Tax rises to five per cent.

Councillor Waters, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said by keeping the rise to five per cent it would cost the average tax payer 81p a week.

But it would still mean the council needed to make cuts of nearly £11million, which would have wide-ranging effects.

He listed the likely cuts in a consultation leaflet being sent out to Council Tax payers.

Under his proposals, the county will:

* Make major cuts to road maintenance;

* Make major cuts to public transport support;

* Make major cuts to home care support for the elderly and young disabled;

* Reduce verge cutting, highways signs and road marking;

* Introduce a charge for blue badges for those with disabilities;

* Reduce investment in the youth service;

* Cut back on children's services.

"I don't want to cut services," he said. "But nor can I expect the Council Tax payer, especially older people and those on fixed incomes, to compensate for the Government's inadequate settlement for Cambridgeshire.