An ex-council worker is locked in a bitter dispute with his former employer over a "trip hazard" he fell over two years ago.

Anthony Burgess, from Beccles, is in a long-running legal battle with the authority after he tripped over and bumped his head while walking his dogs.

The 67-year-old worked as an environmental health officer with the Waveney District Council until 2019, before it became East Suffolk Council.

He claims East Suffolk Council is liable for the fall because of the uneven surface on the path where he tripped.

He briefly lost consciousness following the accident, in April 2022, and suffered a brain haemorrhage, facial scarring, a concussion, and damaged teeth.

He reported the incident to the council and workmen have since carried out repairs to the concrete path, which runs between Banham Road and George Brown Way in Beccles.

He also claimed compensation from the authority, but the his claim has yet to be settled.

The trip hazard which Mr Burgess believes was where the path deteriorated over the yearsThe trip hazard which Mr Burgess believes was a result of the path deteriorating over the years (Image: Supplied by Anthony Burgess)

The path has had repairs been made since the accident.The path has had repairs been made since the accident. (Image: Supplied by Anthony Burgess)

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“The incident could have been catastrophic," he said.

"I’m on blood thinners and a brain haemorrhage could easily have been fatal for me.

“What disappoints me most of all is the council’s attitude of indifference and callousness

“I would like the council to admit they were responsible for my injuries and to offer at least a modest gesture of sympathy and compensation.”

He said that after first reporting the incident to the council, officials “tried to deny that the trip hazards existed” and “denied liability”.

His front teeth were damaged due to the fall and now he wears dentures (Image: Supplied by Anthony Burgess)

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“A short while after I sent further evidence of the trip hazards, a number of repairs to the path were undertaken," he added.

A council spokesman said: “A claim for compensation was submitted to the council and is being dealt with by our insurers.

“The resident has been advised that if he wishes to pursue this matter further, he can do so via the Ombudsman or by seeking independent legal advice.

“The case remains open with our insurers pending any legal action by the claimant.”

An Ombudsman is a government employee who investigates and tries to resolve complaints.