Student nets £36,000 after being hit by tennis racquet — following string of bizarre council compensation claims

A STUDENT netted £36,000 after he was hit by a tennis racquet — part of a string of council compensation claims.

One got £9,000 when a goal they were leaning against fell on them, while £4,500 went to a pupil pushed in the playground.

They were among 92 payouts to children last year totalling £1.3million.

Durham Council paid £5,000 to a student who fell off a chair, while Lancashire gave £12,498 to one who tumbled from playground equipment.

Christopher McGovern, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “Whilst some claims are legitimate, too many are not. Minor knocks and bruises are simply part and parcel of school life and childhood.

“Ambulance-chasing lawyers are running a money-making racket by encouraging vexatious compensation claims.

“School and local authorities are caving in to avoid costly legal proceedings.”

Joanna Marchong, investigations manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be shocked by the amounts being paid out in compensation to students.

“While accidents happen and a certain level of payout is inevitable, the current levels are simply unsustainable.

“Schools and local authorities should make every effort to get these payments under control.”

The Local Government Association said all cases are “thoroughly assessed”.