A REFUSE loader who lost a leg in an incident at a council depot is claiming more than £300,000 in damages from Borough of Poole.

Kevin Harrowven, 47, of Old Farm Road has issued High Court proceedings against the council after the incident in which his bicycle was in collision with a lorry at the Hatch Pond Road depot.

The claim says that at 1.30pm on April 20 2012, he was wearing a high visibility jacket as he cycled along the main road of the depot towards the main gates.

As he approached the junction with the road he drew level with a lorry driven by James Spoor, both of them travelling within the 10mph speed limit, says the claim.

Mr Spoor slowed to a virtual stop and Mr Harrowven saw him in the lorry's nearside mirrors. At the time Mr Spoor was looking ahead and right, but without warning turned his lorry left and across the path of the cyclist, the claim alleges.

Mr Harrowven was knocked over and severely injured when the rear wheels of the lorry ran over him, it is alleged.

He suffered a fracture and wound to his right lower leg which later became infected resulting in a below the knee amputation, a fractured rib, a possible fracture of his left elbow and a severe open laceration to his left forearm requiring several surgical procedures.

As a result of his injuries he requires considerable care and assistance and has been unable to return to work. He suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mild depressive episode and requires Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the claim says.

The High Court claim form alleges negligence on the part of Mr Spoor during his employment with Borough of Poole.

The claim also alleges the council breached Health and Safety Regulations and failed to provide Mr Harrowven with a safe place of work.

Gordon Lelean, insurance manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We can confirm that the council has received a claim in relation to this incident. We cannot comment further at this stage, as it is subject to legal proceedings.”