SHEPWAY District Council is to be capped, the Local Government minister Nick Raynsford announced in the Commons this afternoon.

It follows Shepway's decision to raise its part of the council tax by 29 per cent, the highest rise in the whole country.

The Liberal Democrat administration at Shepway is now awaiting confirmation from the Government and to see what figure they must set instead.

The capping could result in serious consequences for the district - which has already seen the closure of public toilets in Folkestone, Hythe and across the Romney Marsh, as the council tried to make a saving of £100,00 to reduce its spending.

The tourism budget at Shepway has also been slashed. Now further cuts will have to be made, with the council grants given to keep public swimming pools in the district open, being at the top of the list of services at risk.