Builder John Preston forced to retire after tripping on an uneven paving slab

Published: 14 May, 2010
by JOSH LOEB

A BUILDER who was forced to retire after tripping over an uneven paving slab is taking Westminster Council to court in a row over compensation.
John Preston, who lives in Kilravock Street, Ladbroke Grove, said an offer of £8,000 from City Hall was “paltry”.
The 58-year-old said the accident in 2004, which the council has accepted liability for, has caused him “excruciating pain” and, he argues, has ended his career.
Mr Preston was not working at the time of his fall, which took place outside an elderly people’s care home in Droop Street, Queen’s Park, due to a previous accident – but he says injuries sustained because of the paving exacerbated his pre-existing health problems.
“I have been unable to work since 2004,” said Mr Preston.
“It’s been really hard for me because all I have had is my incapacity payment.”
Yesterday (Thursday) the West End Extra found that much of the pavement in the area is still uneven.
A court hearing is scheduled for the Central London County court in August.
A Westminster Council spokeswoman told the West End Extra that the dangerous paving on Droop Street will be dealt wit “as a matter of urgency in the next seven days”.