A pensioner is suing a council for damages after slipping and falling on a wet pavement.

Robert Towns, 66, of Kirkham, Biddick, Washington, Wearside, fell on to his back after losing his footing on a street in Easington, County Durham.

He is claiming compensation from Easington District Council, which was carrying out a cleaning operation with chemicals on an oily pavement.

Mr Towns claims there were no signs or cones placed to warn him not to use the path.

He told Newcastle County Court yesterday that he had fallen after walking along the path on June 9, 1997.

Easington District Council denies liability and says that cones and warning signs were in place. It also says Mr Towns was in the street earlier that day and had been told not to walk on the area being treated.

But Mr Towns, who is claiming damages for personal injury, said he was not there earlier.

The case continues