NEARLY 6,000 demonstrators converged on Waltham Forest town hall last night to protest against a 62 per cent rate increase levied by their Labour-controlled council.

The residents waved flags and chanted for the resignation of the East London council's leader Neil Gerrard, who they say is to blame for the average £7 a week rise.

Many domestic ratepayers, who will face rates of 302.5 in the pound, have vowed not to pay what is the highest increase in London. But deputy council leader Bill Dennis said last night: "This demonstration is not going to change our minds."