A FURIOUS publican was given his 'last orders' by magistrates at Blackwood magistrates court yesterday to pay what he called his "crazy" business rates.

Paul Taylor, (pictured) landlord of The Cross Oak pub, in Penmaen, Oakdale, was summoned to court for non-payment of his business rates between August 1, 2001, and March 31, 2002, which were set at £2,904.70.

Mr Taylor said he was stunned and incensed when the annual business rate bill was effectively increased from £1,500 to £3,500.

Mr Taylor, who runs the pub with his wife, Jennifer, told the court the rise was "offensive". He told the court: "I've cleaned up the pub and turned its fortunes around since I arrived there four years ago, and it seems like I'm being punished for making a success of it.

"The pub business is the only business I know where you get penalised for doing well - if I was a button maker I would pay the same rates if I sold one button or a million buttons. I'm appearing before the court to make a point and express my anger, but I will agree to meet the costs as soon as the hearing is finished."

Magistrate Gwyneth Winstone, who was chairing the court, said she sympathised with Mr Taylor but couldn't help because business rates are set at a central level.

Mr Taylor agreed to meet the business rate bill plus costs of £25.70 to the council and the court.