RESIDENTS in Sandown have called a town council meeting following the 74 per cent council tax rise.

The rise comes after it was revealed an error reclaiming VAT rebates from building work at the Broadway Centre had effectively "wiped out" the council's reserves.

One of the organisers Sharon Merrick said the meeting would focus primarily on the budget precept and toilets however, the recent behaviour of Cllr Dupre may also feature on the agenda.

Yesterday, a dispute broke after a young volunteer from Hullabaloo claims she was left in tears after being berated by Cllr Dupre and told to "shut up and sit down, you stupid little girl".

Ms Merrick said: "There may be a vote of no confidence against Cllr Dupre, which I would support.

"He should not be there as a councillor if he cannot behave himself."

Residents have also expressed concerns that the public toilets in Pier Street look set to close.

"I fear people will be messing in the streets during the busy carnival season," said Ms Merrick.

Ms Merrick said the atmosphere among the council was "not a happy one".

She added: "I am hopeful people will come with a positive attitude so we can discuss how we are going to move forward."

Writing on social media, Sandown Councillor Eric Lawson said: "We have a cultural problem with the way our council operates. We need to change.

"Because of the lack of information provided to the public by us, the Broadway Centre project VAT fiasco and the way we use the rules of council operations to prevent public engagement, its no wonder rumours abound on Facebook and meetings like this are called."

Councillors have no obligation to attend the meeting, which will take place on Friday March 9 at 7pm at the Bay Primary School, Grove Road.