A COUPLE have been ordered to pay council tax arrears after they refused in a protest over a neighbour's property, which they say is used as a dumping ground.

John and Sandra Czutkowna said they were making the protest as a 'last stand' in their fight to get a neighbouring property cleaned up.

And outside the court, Mr Czutkowna stormed: "I'd rather go to jail than pay the council tax."

Blackburn magistrates heard that the Czutkownas, of Wayoh Barn, Blackburn Road, Edgworth, owed Blackburn Council £117 in council tax arrears.

Mr Czutkowna told the court that the nearby Wayoh Farm was used by the owner, Robert Richardson, for tipping.

They handed over photographs, showing the extent of the problem.

Mr Czutkowna said: "I'm objecting to paying my council tax, not for money reasons, but on principal.

"I've asked the council to take this man to court but they've written back to say they can't afford to. This man has been fined before for tipping and on one occasion I provided video evidence for the council. But now they just refuse to listen to me."

He added: "We're not doing this for ourselves, we're doing it because a beautiful piece of the land is being spoilt."

Mrs Czutkowna said: "I've left the property, but not my husband, and moved to Bolton. I just couldn't stand to live there anymore."

Magistrates said they had 'every sympathy' with the Czutkowna's fight, but they were powerless to do anything other than issue a liability order for the money to be paid.

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