HEALTH and safety experts have recommended several minor improvements to the away supporters' end at Ewood Park after a Tory election hopeful called for it to be closed down.

Paul Bartlett, prospective Parliamentary candidate for Coventry North West, complained to Blackburn Council after his friend Rachel King fell and injured her wrist during half-time of the FA Cup match against Coventry.

He claimed she had slipped on a wet floor in a refreshment area and needed a two-night stay in hospital.

The council's environmental health department launched an investigation and has recommended a few minor improvements.

These include shelves in the refreshment bar where drinks can be left, and the reinstatement of litter bins in the concourse area.

Public services sub-committee chairman Coun Mike Madigan said: "A complaint was made by a member of the public which has been fully investigated by our staff who found no breaches of health and safety legislation had occurred.

"We did however make one or two minor recommendations to help prevent drinks being spilt in the bar area.

"Letters have gone out to the club and to the complainant telling them both of the result of our investigation."

Mr Bartlett also wrote to Blackburn Rovers secretary Tom Finn and Coventry City secretary Graham Hover after the incident.

He called for the area to be closed down immediately, pending the installation of a non-slippery floor surface.

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