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Malvern Gazette 19th May 2006
Jail risk to OAP tax rebel Michael Hodgkinson is withholding the part of his council tax that goes to Malvern Hills District Council, which owns the loos. MHDC has come in for criticism for last month's cost-cutting decision to close the toilets in Edith Walk and elsewhere across the district. Mr Hodgkinson, of Lower Wyche Road, described the closure as "quite disgraceful, utterly insular and almost tantamount to downright vandalism". Last Friday, he cancelled his direct debit council tax payment and replaced it with one which omitted the sum due to go to MHDC. He said: "I've always used the toilets in Edith Walk when I'm at the top of town and walking all the way down to Grange Road is very inconvenient. "People don't want highly expensive facilities, we just want something that's basic and clean." Mr Hodgkinson said was aware non-payment could land him in prison. "At least there I would be guaranteed convenient access to a loo or bucket," he said. Kevin Douglas, of MHDC, said the council was ready to take action against non-payers. "We all have a legal responsibility to pay council tax and while there are provisions for people who cannot afford to pay, there is no provision for people who will not pay in protest. "In view of this gentleman's age and condition, we would very much regret taking action, but he leaves us no choice. |