AN ELDERLY man from Penistone, who has been trying to claim compensation for almost ten years for vibration white finger, has been told he must have another medical to prove he has the condition.

Colin Jackson, 65, of Royd Avenue, Millhouse Green worked in The Prince of Wales pit, Pontefract, and used vibrating tools from 1961 to 1972.

He got in touch with solicitors Attey, Dibb and Clegg in 1998 and had a medical examination that proved he had the condition.

He was then told he needed to get references from people he worked with to prove he used these tools. He changed solicitors in 2005 and has now been told he must have more tests because he now suffers from back problems as well.

He was given mobility allowance by the DVLA but has never received compensation.

“It seems like they are passing the buck. Even if God signed a letter to say I had it I still think they would pass me around.

“I’m sure there are plenty of other people in my situation who worked down the pit and aren’t getting what they deserve.”

Many sufferers haven’t received payouts because the extent of the damage had to be quite high. From October 1 this year this was reduced allowing more sufferers to claim.

Mick White is from the Help And Voluntary Service that offers advice to people suffering from industrial diseases.

“The amendments could really help people who were turned down before. It is a long fight but we will keep trying to get these people the benefits they are entitled to.”