PENSIONERS who back the fight against Council Tax increases and 'pittance pensions' have been called to a summit meeting.

Following 72-year-old Eileen Smith's appeal for help in setting up a pensioners' action group in the city, The Chronicle has been inundated with messages of support from OAPs stuck in similar circumstances.

Anyone interested in forming a support and network group is invited to meet at the Chester City Football Club lounge at 7pm on Monday.

Guest speakers at the event will include Jill Walters, chief executive of Age Concern Cheshire, and Ged Simpson, from Cheshire Citizens Advice Bureau, who will give general advice.

Mrs Smith sent out a plea to OAPs last month when she revealed the tax on her band D property in Huntington costs more than she gets in her weekly state pension.

She said: 'I am not just doing this for myself.

'My daughter will be a pensioner in 10 years and she will also suffer.

'We have to do something because this problem gets worse year by year.'

Meanwhile, Chester's MP, Christine Russell, has urged OAPs to take advantage of help with paying their Council Tax.

She has highlighted a national campaign by the Government to stop pensioners missing out on an average £426 refund on their bills.

Mrs Russell said: 'Pensioners have worked hard all their lives and contributed to the prosperity of this country.

'They're entitled to Council Tax benefit and we want them to get every penny owed.

'Along with measures like the pension credit, winter fuel payments, real increases in the state pension and free TV licences, this is money that can make a real difference to the lives of millions of pensioners.'

'Cut your Council Tax' adverts have appeared in newspapers and flyers, leaflets and posters will be distributed via local authorities and 20,000 partner organisations, including post offices and doctors' surgeries.

The Chronicle will keep all interested parties informed of the meeting.

If you would like to attend the meeting, call Jessica Shaughnessy on 01244 606409 or Barry Ellams on 01244 606424, e-mail newsroom@cheshirenews.co.uk or write to Chronicle Newsroom, Chronicle House, Commonhall Street, Chester CH1 2AA.