A COUNCIL has recouped £35,000 in council tax debts from private housing landlords to stave off the threat of bankruptcy.

Two property owners have made recent payments against their arrears to Middlesbrough Council after previous failures to make payments saw the cases heading for legal action and the courts.

Arrangements have now been reached with the council’s senior finance officers to recoup arrears.

Nicky Walker, the council’s executive member for finance and governance, said: “This case should send a clear message to all those who default on their council tax that effective recovery action will take place – and they could end up bankrupt.”