I NOTE, with interest, the report on Bromsgrove District Council's proposed alteration in the payment of the council tax.

I usually pay this tax by cheque in three instalments. On October 13, 2005, I delivered my cheque to the Council House to complete my council tax payment for the year. On October 20 the amount was cleared from my bank account. I felt a glow of satisfaction that my civic financial duty had been completed.

Knowing the majority of Bromsgrove council taxpayers use direct debit and therefore would still have some payments to make I had a sense of pride that I must be one of the first to clear my tax account. Perhaps I might receive a letter from the council thanking me for my prompt settlement.

Alas, pride goes before a fall. Two months after my payment I did receive a letter - the council demanded the immediate payment of several hundred pounds tax, the threat of court action and the imposition of a £50 fee.

Earlier in 2005 I suffered a severe heart attack and the receipt of this letter nearly completed what the heart attack had failed to do.

However, I should not have been surprised at this turn of events. The previous tax year I had also made prompt payment which was also followed by a threatening letter demanding payment.

I am pleased to state I have received an apology from the council.

Will the new payment method avoid these heart stopping demands? I hope so but I'll have my heart treatment tablets ready - just in case.

GE Tucker

Yewtree Drive

Bromsgrove