A retired Army major was facing prison today as a result of a 30-year row with his Mid Sussex dance school neighbours.

Eric Pilley, of Oakwood Road, Burgess Hill, was appearing at Haywards Heath County Court over unpaid legal fees.

If he refuses to pay he could be fined or sent to prison.

For three decades Mr Pilley, 75, has been in dispute with Michael and Drusilla Harris who run the popular Drusilla Duffield Theatre School.

He claims parents ferrying their children to the school cause traffic chaos in his quiet street.

In 2001 he launched a private prosecution against the couple, charging them with obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

He told the court a covenant dating back to 1869 banned anyone but attorney solicitors, surgeons or physicians from practising business on the site.

He said that meant when the couple applied for planning permission to open the school in 1972 they misled the council.

But the courts disagreed and widower Mr Pilley was told to pay more than £1,000 in legal costs, which have increased steadily ever since.

When the figure reached more than £2,000 some of the cash was seized from his bank account but there is still more than £980 he is refusing to pay.

Mr Pilley said: "I have already paid costs for an earlier trial and refuse to pay any more on a matter of principle.

"I would rather go to prison. I don't know whether to take my pyjamas to court or not."