A MAN has received £750 from Gwynedd Council after banging his head on a street sign that was ‘too low’.

A report put before Gwynedd Council Cabinet last week included details of the case, as well as another which saw a claimant receive £145.75 after their car was damaged during strimming work.

Over the second quarter of 2017/18, the local authority successfully defended 16 of the 18 public liability claims made against it but still had to pay out nearly £900 in damages.

When asked about the claims, a Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “On 9 January a report on the performance of the council’s Finance Department was presented to the council Cabinet which includes information about the number of claims against the council which were defended successfully during the second quarter of 2017/18.

“£750 was paid out in compensation to the member of public who hit their head on a sign and £145.75 was paid out in respect of the damage caused to a vehicle by strimming work, as per invoice presented for repairs.

“In accordance with the council’s usual procedures, full reviews were undertaken following both incidents.

“In the case of the member of the public who hit their head on a street sign, as soon as we were made aware of the situation the sign was removed. Following a review, additional measures have been put in place to ensure that all street signs put up by independent contractors working for the service concerned meet the relevant minimum height regulations.

“In the case of the vehicle damaged during strimming work, the review concluded that all health and safety guidelines were followed in full and that no additional steps could have been taken to prevent the incident.”