A COUNCIL has paid £300 compensation to a family who protested about the way they were treated by a bailiff acting on its behalf.

The family complained to Cheshire East Council after the man visited the house of George and Freda Slater, last April.

Mrs Slater's son Carl Bromfield claimed the bailiff forced his way into the home in North Street, Congleton, to claim £270 of unpaid council tax from Jackie Slater, the couple's granddaughter and Mr Bromfield's niece, who was living at the address.

The issue was referred to the local government ombudsman.

And the ombudsman has now asked for £200 to be paid to Mr and Mrs Slater.

Mr Bromfield will also receive £100 for the way the complaint was dealt with.

A written apology has also been sent to the family.

Mr Bromfield, of Grays Close, Scholar Green, said: "When you consider that the amount my niece owed was £200, this has been a complete public relations disaster for the local authority."

A spokesman for Cheshire East said: "We are pleased that the ombudsman has settled the matter and we have made the payments."