TILFORD Parish Council may soon be facing a claim of two million pounds from a man who broke his neck in an accident more than two years ago, The Herald has learned.

A London-based solicitor told The Herald this week that Damien O'Brien (25) was paralysed on December 19, 1998, after diving into the River Wey in Tilford.

Mr. O'Brien was living in Upper Hale, Farnham, at the time of the incident.

Although a small amount of movement in his arms has been regained, he has no real feeling from his neck down and is currently being cared for in a special hospital in Farnborough.

His solicitor has said that a case is being prepared that will look for heavy compensation from Tilford council on the basis that they were negligent in not providing adequate signage warning of the dangers of diving into the river.

The figure claimed would be in the region of two million pounds, possibly more.

Tilford Parish Council chairman Ian Clement-May refused to release any information when approached about the case.

He said: "As any public interest could influence the case, it would be improper of me to comment at this point in time."

Mr Clement-May did say, however, that the council is covered for liability by Cornhill Insurance.