A £50,000 negligence claim against Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Blackburn with Darwen Council was heard in court for the first time on Monday.

The hearing lasted 15 minutes and was held in chambers by deputy district judge Jones at Blackburn County Court.

Both Mr Straw, who is Blackburn MP, and the council are being sued by an unnamed resident for what was described earlier this year as negligence. The claim is for damages exceeding £50,000 for losses on the value of the plaintiff's property, personal injury, distress and inconvenience and legal costs said to be as a result of information released by Mr Straw's office.

Details of the case emerged when Mr Straw secured funding from Parliament to cover his legal costs. The council later revealed the case had arisen as a result of dissatisfaction at the handling of a neighbour nuisance complaint involving the plaintiff, which occurred in December.

As Mr Straw and the council employ the staff, the plaintiff feels they were negligent and are therefore liable for any legal action brought against them. Both the council and Mr Straw will be defending.

None of the solicitors gave any comment when they left the court. The plaintiff's identity has not been revealed.