A WINDOW cleaner from Melksham has been jailed for 30 days for failing to pay his council tax.

Alan Leighfield, 57, from Union Street was sent to HMP Bristol (Horfield) on Tuesday after he had failed to pay his outstanding debts despite receiving a suspended prison sentence from Chippenham Magistrates' Court in June.

Mr Leighfield had been sentenced for failing to pay £3,161.89 in council tax but the sentence was suspended providing he pay his arrears off at a rate of £25 per week. He however failed to meet these repayment arrangement as directed by the court.

Cllr Roy While, the district council’s finance portfolio holder, said: “Help is available for anyone who has genuine difficulties in paying their council tax.

"However, we will take action when people wilfully do not pay their council tax, and the courts have shown that they view such behaviour very seriously.

“West Wiltshire District Council continues to actively pursue unpaid council tax and takes steps to trace charge payers who move away from properties without ensuring that any unpaid council tax is settled.”