A DEFIANT Droitwich pensioner has lost a battle with Wychavon District Council over her business rate debts.

Nellie Copson, who lives above her shop in High Street, applied to the council's planning committee to change the use of her home from retail to residential.

Councillors agreed on Thursday to refuse the application.

The authority's planning officers had said the application was "detrimental to the vitality and viability" of the shopping area.

Earlier this year, the 81-year-old caused a national outcry after spending two days in prison for her refusal to pay £2,700 in business rates which had accrued over five years.