Burnley FC legend explains unpaid council tax ‘oversight’

The former striker, who was nicknamed the Padiham Preadator for his goal-scoring exploits, said as soon as he realised he was in arrears he contacted the authorities and is now paying £100 a week to clear the debt.

Payton (44), of Mary Towneley Fold, admitted failing to pay the bill due to a break-down in communication and said he now wants to put the mistake behind him.

“Eighteen months ago I got full custody of my three girls, who are aged 14, 12 and 10 and for a while I was signing on. When you sign on you get your council tax paid,” he said.

“When I found out I had some arrears on my council tax, I went up to Reedley and offered to pay them back £100 a week to get it cleared.

“I’m paying it back, I just want to get on with my life, my coaching, and carry on being a good dad to my children.”

The ex-footballer has launched his book “Living the Dream,” which charts his 20-year career, yesterday.