A WORCESTER man says he was made to feel like a criminal after he was two weeks late paying his council tax.

Peter Mountford has branded council chiefs "intolerant with a jackboot mentality" after they threatened to take him to court. He says they failed to send him a reminder before demanding £434 for the rest of the year.

The salesman from Cranham Drive, Warndon, says his right to pay by monthly instalments has now been withdrawn and although he could afford to pay the full amount he is worried that someone else might lose their credit worthiness.

But the council says it always sends out reminders before issuing a final demand.

"I was about two weeks late paying July's council tax of £62," explained Mr Mountford.

"When I suddenly received the demand which said I had to pay up within three days or go to court I was totally shocked.

"If I hadn't paid the full amount I could be going through the courts, criminalised and my credit worthiness taken away.

"I felt like a criminal and I think the council is unyielding and insensitive in its attitude."

Mr Mountford, who has raised £2,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and intends to run for the charity in New York later in the year, lives with his elderly mother who he claims has been very upset at the ordeal.

"I knew I was late but never imagined it would cause such a problem," he added. "Worcester City Council, I think the Sheriff of Nottingham would be proud of you."

Mr Mountford says he is particularly angry because he had paid his bill on July 24 - and received the demand the very next day.

"I wonder how many other people have been hit like this and have had to borrow the money or go without and lost their credit facility?" he added.

Deborah Smith, assistant head of revenue and benefits at the city council, said that while she could not comment on specific cases, at least two reminders are always sent out to late payers before a final notice is issued.

"We try very hard to be tolerant and make every effort to contact people," she said.