A BIDDISHAM man who is withholding his council tax in protest against heavy goods vehicles has been ordered to pay up by Taunton Magistrates Court. Self-employed builder Derek Ross, aged 53, has been keeping hold of his cash in protest against Sedgemoor D

A BIDDISHAM man who is withholding his council tax in protest against heavy goods vehicles has been ordered to pay up by Taunton Magistrates Court.Self-employed builder Derek Ross, aged 53, has been keeping hold of his cash in protest against Sedgemoor District Council because it has refusing to ban lorries from the road outside his home. He claims HGVs have caused over £65,000 worth of damage to his property.Mr Ross said: "The main reason I did this was to protest against the loss in value of my house due to the damage caused by the HGV movements. I'm just concerned about the injustice and cost caused to myself and my family."A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "The magistrates considered Mr Ross' case on February 23, but ruled that the two things are not linked and that by withholding his council tax he was still acting illegally. "He has now been issued with a liability order. This means the district council can put in place a series of measurements. Firstly we will make an attachment order so that we can claim money directly from his bank account or earnings. "If this does not work, it can become more serious, such as sending the bailiffs round and then, ultimately, sending him to prison."Mr Ross must remember that his dispute is with Sedgemoor District Council. By withholding his tax, he is having an adverse effect on the services we collect for, which includes Somerset County Council, fire, police and his own parish council.