A STAND-off between a pensioner and his local council looks set to continue as they remain at loggerheads.

John Petch, known by everyone as Husky, is refusing to budge from the compound where he stores his collection of vintage machinery and curiosities.

The pensioner is being threatened with eviction from his compound after Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council called in the sheriffs to clear the area.

But the determined 66-year-old is refusing to budge and the community of Dormanstown, near Redcar, has rallied around the retired mechanic and steelworker.

Mr Petch, who says he can't leave his compound at all until the threat of eviction is removed, was forced to representatives to a meeting with the council in a bit to broker a deal.

"I remain where I am," he said. "I'm still in the compound and I won't be going anywhere. We put forward some sensible propositions to the council, but they have rejected them. They clearly just want me off this site at what ever the cost.

"I'm only on this site in the first place because they moved me here 15 years ago. Why can't they just leave me alone?"

At the weekend supporters rallied around the pensioner and held a peaceful vigil in case the bailiffs came to evict Husky after their initial attempt on Monday, October 6 was blocked by the passionate pensioner.

Councillor Norman Pickthall, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for corporate resources, said officers met with some of Mr Petch’s supporters on Monday.

He said: “A proposal was put forward but this involved Mr Petch occupying a section of the site without paying any rent.

“Given the history of this matter, that proposal is not considered to be acceptable and the writ of possession remains enforceable.

“Mr Petch continues to illegally occupy a dangerous site and the council’s position has not changed.”