A MAN who was injured after stepping into a large crack in the pavement while walking his dog believes the council is liable for his injury.

Shaun Rogan, from Moredon, twisted his ankle in a crack – which he says measures 29ft – on Cheney Manor Road last August.

The 48-year-old underwent weeks of physiotherapy and says he had to take several weeks off work and use crutches after the accident.

Shaun said: “I came back from my holiday, took the dog for a walk and I fell down after catching my foot in a crack on the path.

“As I put my foot down it went into the crack, which is 29ft long, and I badly twisted my ankle.

“I spoke to the council, they said they would investigate and get back to me. They were looking to settle the claim quickly.

“I went to hospital after it swelled and inflamed. I was given crutches and tablets and physiotherapy.

“I couldn’t put any pressure on my ankle and the job I had involved standing for long periods of time, so I couldn’t work.

“I had trouble walking and I didn’t have the money to take a taxi everywhere.”

After weeks of discomfort, Shaun received bad news when he returned to work.

He added: “I was on a long-term agency contract with Honda and they’d replaced me with another agency worker so, when I was fit to go back to work in November, there was someone else doing my job.

“It was a difficult period over Christmas. I lost 13 weeks’ wages.

“Then, at the end of January, I got a notice saying the council were not admitting liability and will do nothing about it and they weren’t holding my claim.

“I’ve got witnesses and photos. I’ve done everything I can to get compensation for pain and suffering and for sick pay but they’re saying they’ve done everything they can.

“They’ve repaired the path on the other side of where I hurt myself but this one is still there.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “As part of our standard procedure for handling insurance claims, this personal injury public liability claim was referred to our insurers to review. The claim was subsequently denied. Complainants have the option to appeal decisions if they so choose.

“It would not be appropriate for us to comment on the details of any individual case.”