A DETERMINED Spa pensioner who refuses to pay her business rates is now in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings.

Nellie Copson, aged 82, has been served with a bankruptcy petition by Wychavon District Council.

Ms Copson refuses to pay the business levy on her disused High Street shop which she lives above and owes the authority £1644 accrued between 1999 and 2001.

At a hearing in August, a District Judge told the rates rebel she was too old to go to jail and he urged the district council to take any action necessary to make Ms Copson pay up.

After unsuccessful attempts at mediation, the spinster was warned in October that bankruptcy would be the only option if she didn't stump up the cash.

A petition was issued at Worcester County Court, in December, and the Official Receiver is now in charge of Ms Copson's affairs and will discharge the debt to Wychavon.

Wychavon district councillor Pam Davey (Con, Droit.Central) told the Advertiser: "It's very sad that this issue couldn't have been resolved a long time ago.

"Hopefully, this unpleasant episode will now come to a close."

Ms Copson claims she shouldn't pay because her shop is empty and would not be suitable for retail use.

She said: "How can the council charge rates on a premises that isn't suitable for letting?

"It doesn't even have a toilet."

A Wychavon spokeswoman said: "The council has taken this course of action before but only in exceptional circumstances such as those presented to the council by Ms Copson."