A WORCESTER woman says Christmas has come early after a court summons for non-payment of council tax was dropped.

Diane Moss faced a miserable festive period after the summons arrived for a New Year court appearance.

But the single mum-of-two from Diglis has been told that all proceedings have been dropped and she is entitled to a full rebate.

"I'm ecstatic," said Mrs Moss, who was faced with two council tax bills after being forced from her home by floods last year.

"I'll be celebrating Christmas early. It is a huge relief.

"There should be guidelines in all areas that flood in case it happens again, but I'll be going straight to the top if there's a next time."

City Councillor Francis Lankester, who represents the All Saints ward, said he was pleased that Mrs Moss had been given good news this Christmas.

"I'm delighted that finally it has been sorted out because it does appear against common sense if you have to pay a second time when it's not your fault," said Coun Lankester.

"I hope the Government will do something pretty soon about this because it's been a year since the floods.

"The court summons just added insult to injury."

The summons was cancelled after information supporting Mrs Moss' claim arrived at Worcester City Council, but it has highlighted the need for a new policy on council tax for flood victims.

Residents in Hylton Road, St John's, and other parts of Worcester were given full rebates after flooding forced them from their properties.

They were faced with paying two sets of council tax because the flooded property was considered as being furnished.

Government ministers announced plans last month to give councils discretionary powers to reduce bills, but some campaigners feel there should be a special flood rule.

"We have to look at each at each case, consider the circumstances and decide whether they meet the criteria which are set down in law," said Rob Appleby, head of revenue and benefits at Worcester City Council.

He said he would be contacting the Worcester Action Against Floods Committee to ensure information about reductions is widely available.

"Hopefully Worcester residents will never again experience the extreme conditions that we had last year, but we need to be prepared," said Mr Appleby.