A FORMER medic says she wants to leave Tendring after being taken to court for not paying council tax – despite being ill in hospital and even offering to pay back the costs.

Patricia Faulkner, of Parkeston, was taken to court by Tendring Council after she was unable to pay the November and December payments of her council tax bill.

The 54-year-old said she could only afford to pay the £50 towards the bill each month and sent them the money.

But she claims the council turned down this offer and took her to court, only to later agree to a £50 payment plan.

She said: “I don’t want to live in Tendring anymore. It is horrendous towards people who are struggling. £95 [court costs] has been put on someone who is struggling."

Paul Honeywood, cabinet member for revenues, said: “We are delighted that this issue over Ms Faulkner’s non-payment of Council Tax has now been resolved after eight months and only sorry that it was necessary to put it before the courts to achieve this outcome."