AN old soldier who fought for his country in the Second World War has slammed Harrow Council after being threatened with a court summons, despite having paid his council tax bill.

Myer Malin, 80, of Waxwell Close, Pinner, a veteran of the Normandy landings, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day on Sunday.

But after helping to defeat the Nazis, the pensioner now faces a bitter battle on the home front.

Mr Malin's problems began in April when, disgusted at facing a second year of council tax rises, he cancelled his direct debit payments in protest.

Mr Malin said: "This year's tax hike was so oppressive I withdrew my direct debit and set up a standing order to suit my own cash flow rather than the council's administrative convenience.

"I told them I would pay £100 a month and make up any arrears in the sixth and twelfth months of the year."

The pensioner, a former Harrow councillor, believed this would resolve the matter. But he said that what followed reminded him why he gave up local politics.

"The revenue officer told me they didn't have the flexibility to accept my method of payment because the council had ruled against it," he said.

"After that, another officer sent me a demand for payment with the threat of legal action. This is intimidation."

Mr Malin, who fought to liberate France, Belgium and Holland during World War II, now faces the prospect of a court summons and being blacklisted.

A Conservative councillor for the Centenary ward between 1979 and 84, Mr Malin is scathing about the present day administration.

He said: "I am completely apolitical nowadays. But I find the behaviour of the ruling party heavy-handed, inept and indicative of poor management competence."

After fighting fascism 60 years ago, Mr Malin is dismayed that the authorities are denying him the freedom to pay his bills in the way he chooses.

Unassuming about his part in history, Mr Malin's Normandy experience is remarkable.

"I was shot in the leg, I still have the scar today," he said.

"But I kept going, as one did in those days. Then, on April 17, six weeks before the war ended I was wounded in Germany and had to come home."

Stanley Sheinwald, secretary of Harrow Council Tax Campaign, said: "It's absolutely outrageous that a Normandy veteran who helped save the country should be threatened like this."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Malin has been advised several times of the options available for paying council tax, decided upon and agreed by the council.

"The council tax office has advised Mr Malin that he will receive reminder notices and may eventually be summonsed for non-payment of council tax."