A "NON-SLIP" market hall floor is costing Blackburn with Darwen Council tens of thousands of pounds in insurance claims from people who have taken a tumble on it.

A solicitor said the authority has already paid out almost £20,000 and claims totalling thousands of pounds more are still to be resolved.

Ten people claim they suffered injuries from sprained backs to broken wrists after taking tumbles and four cases have already been settled out of court.

Two people who broke their wrists have each received £8,000 from the council's insurers, and almost £2,000 each has been paid to two people who suffered bruises and soft tissue injuries, said Michael Corrigan of Farleys solicitors.

Last year, a council spokesman denied claims that the Market Avenue link between the two market buildings, where the accidents occurred, was dangerous. He said the flooring, which is also used in Blackburn shopping centre and many similar venues nationwide, was "non-slip" and was cleaned regularly and patrolled every 30 minutes.

Farleys took on the council last summer to seek compensation for the victims from the council's insurers, Zurich Municipal.

Mr Corrigan said he expected to win more cash for other victims and urged people who had been injured after slipping on the floor to get in touch.

He said: "In the past it was only those who knew about their rights and could afford it who pursued claims. But everyone has the same rights and, if they have suffered a genuine injury, they should pursue it."

A spokeswoman for the insurance department said the pay-outs would not have an immediate impact on the council's insurance premiums but could cause rises long-term. She said: "We are assessing risks and working to minimise them. We value our staff and customers and are actively trying to keep the costs down because, in the end, it's the ratepayers who pay."

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