Pensioner must pay £10 a week for life after losing legal battle against gas pipeline station
Linda Ware has branded the authority a "Shylock council" for using taxpayers' money to get its pound of flesh.
The 61-year-old from Neath led the ultimately doomed fight against a controversial gas pressure reduction station in Cilfrew.
Her failed crusade left her liable to pay council costs of £42,000, which was later reduced to £24,000.
Ms Ware, of March Hywel, was due to challenge the awarding of costs in London's Supreme Court Costs Office last week.
But just days beforehand she was told the Legal Services Commission was withdrawing her legal aid.
An out-of-court settlement was agreed, with Neath Port Talbot agreeing to accept £7,000 from Mrs Ware.
She must pay this off at £9.75 a week for the next 14 years — unless she dies in the meantime.
"It effectively means I will have to pay this for the rest of my life," said Ms Ware.
"I feel like I've been kicked by a horse, but I felt I had to accept the offer or the council would have taken it further.
"What has upset me more than anything is the fact they are using public money to get the result they wanted, yet they are closing schools and laying off teachers."
Neath Port Talbot granted planning permission for the gas reduction station, part of National Grid's new pipeline from West Wales to Gloucestershire, in September 2006 despite a public outcry. As Cilfrew Residents' Association secretary, Ms Ware successfully challenged this through a judicial review in the High Court.
Neath Port Talbot then appealed against that decision and won in December 2007, with costs awarded against Ms Ware.
She is now considering taking action under human rights legislation, claiming she had been made an example of for opposing the council over an environmental issue.
"I will have to cope with paying the money," she added.
"I'm not materialistic so I think I can manage."
Council finance director Derek Davies said the authority had recovered £41,000 in legal aid from the Legal Services Commission as well as Ms Ware's payment.
"We are glad this case has now been brought to an end," he said.
"The council did not seek this litigation but has defended its position successfully.
"Having obtained an order for costs the council is obliged to pursue it.
"This we have done in the normal way."
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