DILTON Marsh resident Joseph Farcombe-Smith faces jail if he fails to clear more than £2,000 of unpaid council tax bills.

The 51-year-old was given a 42 day suspended prison sentence after being convicted of culpable neglect for not paying £2,334.39 to West Wiltshire District Council.

Appearing before Chippenham magistrates on January 7, Farcombe-Smith, of Petticoat Lane, was ordered to repay the sum at £120 per month until March and £60 per month after that.

He had been arrested under a 'no bail' warrant previously issued by the court due to his failure to attend when summoned.

District council corporate portfolio holder Cllr Roy While said: "We all have a duty to pay our council tax to ensure local services are available for local people. But there are always a few people who wilfully do not pay and think that this is acceptable.

"It is not, and we will take action against them. If you don't pay, you could go to prison."