COUNCIL tax dodgers now face being served with bankruptcy notices if they refuse to pay their bills.

Ryedale District Council is launching a new campaign targeting hard-core non-payers.

The area is in the top 25 per cent in the country for collection of council tax, but some residents are still refusing to pay up.

The council is now enforcing tough new measures which have already resulted in successful prosecutions.

Council tax manager Clive Key said: "Although the vast majority of residents do pay their council tax, we have a small number who have not complied with the law.

"It is these people we will now be targeting by serving bankruptcy notices on them over the next few months."

Mr Key said: "We make every effort to ensure that we can come to a mutual agreement with the non-payer but we do have a small hardcore of people who are simply refusing to pay.

"It is this hardcore that we are taking such action against and judging by our recent success in the bankruptcy court, they will have not only their council tax bill to pay but extensive legal costs as well."