Around 2,000 names were collected on the petition

Rosemary Watkins, from Cwmbran, south Wales, collected the 2,000 signatures and handed in the petition to the Mayor of Torfaen after councillors voted in favour of introducing the scheme.

"I think people have had enough of everybody on the gravy train," she said.

"They put up for the job, they should stand down when they have had enough of it, if they are too old for it."

She said she disagreed that the scheme would encourage younger people to stand.

"I don't hold with that argument at all.

"Are we going to adopt this system for AMs and MPs who have been in parliament for a long time?

"It makes a mockery of it.

'Apathy'

"These people have never wanted to go before, they have had plenty of money from the council on expenses and now, all of a sudden, the carrot is dangled and they are going.

"I don't believe we will get young people in.

"Unfortunately, I believe the people of Torfaen have got the councillors they deserve through their apathy of not going to the polls."

It took Mrs Watkins just nine hours to collect the 2,000 names.

But despite her efforts, she does not believe they will stop the scheme from going ahead.

"Unfortunately, it is not going to make a difference to the councillors because they won't reverse the decision.