A SHOCK was in store for Redvales residents when they were faced with a bill and possible legal action for ground rents they had already paid.

One householder who successfully challenged the request is calling for others to do so.

Letters arrived on the doorsteps of Pembroke Drive, Cardigan Drive and Brecon Drive, stating that a £5-per-year chief rent payable to Lichfield-based Shenstone Properties had not been passed on from collectors.

Shenstone said "regretfully" that residents would have to pay again. "Whilst you may consider this unfair upon yourself, it is the only option now left open to us and we have taken legal advice as to our action."

One Brecon Drive resident who would not pay again was threatened with court action, and contacted a firm of solicitors. They wrote to the company, arguing that their client could not be held accountable for external arrangements, and Shenstone agreed to scrap their demand for £20 over four years.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is the principle of the thing. Anybody with a solicitor will find out that it is nonsense to make this demand.

"I would hate to think of a little old lady down the street paying up money that she does not owe.

"People should not be scared or threatened into doing so. It is important that if people have paid they should ask for their money back."