A GRANDMOTHER who slipped on a grape at a town centre store has received a payout in an out-of-court settlement. Linda Haynes was at the Colchester High Street Marks & Spencer when she skidded on the white seedless grape and fell.

A GRANDMOTHER who slipped on a grape at a town centre store has received a payout in an out-of-court settlement.

Linda Haynes was at the Colchester High Street Marks & Spencer when she skidded on the white seedless grape and fell.

The former special police constable was in the clothing section when the accident happened last March.

The mother-of-two says she damaged her back and which now prevents her from gardening and decorating.

She says she is also unable to pick up her three-year-old grandson.

Mrs Haynes, who lives at Cyril Child Close on the town's Greenstead Estate, has needed ongoing treatment since the slip.

This week, lawyers acting for the 49-year-old reached an “amicable” out of court settlement with the retail giant which ran into thousands of pounds. Speaking afterwards Mrs Haynes said she was pleased with the outcome.

She said: “I am delighted with the settlement because the whole episode has been so embarrassing, as well as painful. I was not even in the food store - the grape was in the clothing area and I skidded on it, landing flat on my back.”

Although she now has restricted movement in her back she has been able return to work in a temporary role with a marketing firm.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Marks & Spencer declined to comment.

He said: “We have no comment to make as we don't comment on individual cases.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said 58,000 people in the UK were injured whilst out shopping last year.

A spokesman said: “This just shows the need for shops to take great care and also for the public to also take great care.”