A COUNCIL is considering taking legal action in a long-running row over hanging out washing.

David Painter, 38, says housewives in Skipton are hanging out washing every day and stopping him from getting his car to the street behind his house.

After years of complaints, Mr Painter, of Thornton Street, Skipton, has won the backing of the county council.

North Yorkshire Council spokesman Tony Webster said: "We still want to resolve it by people talking to each other - but the ladies are determined to hang out washing and this gentleman is determined to drive his car down there."

He added that the council had not yet decided to pursue the matter.

The case would be discussed at its area committee in July, when the legal position would be outlined to councillors, said Mr Webster.