Richmond MP William Hague has agreed to attend a meeting to hear complaints over the high levels of business rates and tax bills.

Pub landlady Cath Thompson has invited Mr Hague and county councillors Carl Les and John Weighell to a meeting to place her protest on a formal footing.

She is urging people unhappy with their business rate and tax bills to join the campaign.

Mrs Thompson, who runs the Bay Horse, in Catterick Village, has already had one meeting to allow local people to air their views.

She is also considering refusing to pay business rates to Richmondshire District Council and withholding the parish precept, which increased by almost 60 per cent this year.

She is also unhappy about the amount of income tax demanded from small businesses by the Government.

"I have had a letter from William Hague and he is willing to come to a meeting," she said.

"County councillor Carl Les is also willing to attend. I haven't heard from county councillor John Weighell yet, as he is away on holiday."

A date for the meeting will be arranged when Coun Weighell's response is known.