A MAN says he will refuse to pay Bexley Council for removing his new crossover days after it was laid.

Felix Akele says he thought he was within his rights to get a private contractor to lay the crossover from the roadway into his drive at Hind Crescent, Nortumberland Heath.

But Bexley Council claims he was told only the council’s contractor could put in the crossover, and the work done does not meet council standards.

Mr Akele, 48, rang the Bexley last month in to ask about a crossover on the advice of police, following break-ins to his rear garage.

He claims he was told by the council contact centre he did not need planning permission.

Mr Akele said: “She said a council contractor would quote for the work and I asked her if she meant a private company.

“When she said ‘yes’ I did not think she meant only the council contractor could quote for the job, so I got another company in to do it.”

He added: “If she had told me I had to get permission and could not ask anyone else to build it, I would not have paid £600 to have it done.”

Transport cabinet member Councillor Peter Craske, said the council was legally responsible for maintaining public highways and it was illegal for people to dig up the pavements Cllr Craske claimed a report of Mr Akele’s conversation with the contact centre showed it was made clear to him the council’s contractor would get planning permission and supply a quote, but Mr Akele went ahead before receiving the estimate.

Cllr Craske added: “The crossover was constructed illegally to a poor standard.

"We had to remove it and relay the footway at a cost of £550, which will be charged to Mr Akele.”