SLIP and trip claims cost the council a staggering £1.4m last year - or, to put it another way, cost US £1.4m.

But just where does all this money - our money - go to?

I read an eye-opening article recently, about how the £1m compensation paid out by the NHS in 1974 has now soared to an unbelievable £446m, and is rising annually. However, for every £100 paid out to the victim, another £80 is pocketed by the lawyers.

Is it any wonder, then, that "fishers" are in every town centre, and regularly call door-to-door, hoping to catch clients?

But this US-style claims culture is rapidly destroying trust.

How sad that police are now advised not to get involved at accident scenes, in case claims are made against them. Doctors, teachers and others simply trying to do a job live in fear of the lawyer's letter. Even we humble residents are advised not to clear away snow from in front of our properties in case someone slips and sues.

But the vast amount of money being paid out each year in compensation and legal bills is money that should be funding our cash-starved hospitals and local councils.

And so it is a vicious circle! More compensation is paid out, as hospitals and councils struggle to improve standards, while the money that should go to doing so is paid out to claimants and their often over-zealous lawyers.

It is those of us who believe that accidents are not always someone else's fault who foot the bill, with ever-increasing tax and insurance premiums.

There are, of course, many genuine cases, where claimants deserve to be compensated. There are many, too, who believe this claims culture keeps councils and others on their toes.

But surely we should all use a bit of nous and accept that it is our responsibility to avoid accidents, and to admit that when accidents do occur it is usually because of our own negligence.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton