AN angry car owner has branded Bolton Council "immoral" after its insurers refused to pay out when roof slates smashed into his car.

Tony Owens took legal action when his P-reg Ford Courier Kombi was damaged during gales on Boxing Day.

But the council's insurers have refused to pay out the £200 it cost to repair the paintwork.

Mr Owens says he will not get a penny because he cannot prove the council neglected its duty.

The storm whipped the slates off his next door neighbours' council house on St James Street, Farnworth.

His car was parked off the road on the driveway when the slates landed on it.

Mr Owens said: "I didn't want to claim on my own insurance because it wasn't my fault. I didn't want to lose my no claims.

"My insurance solicitors contacted the council who say they will not pay.

"I think this is immoral. It's the principle of the thing. I live on a council estate and there appear to be slates loose on most roofs.

"This could easily happen again. It is the perils of being a council tenant ."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Owens contacted us about this issue and it was passed on to our insurers to investigate.

"Their findings are that it was an accident caused by storms and therefore the council is not legally liable."

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