A GRANDMOTHER was left with severe bruising after tripping on a loose paving slab - despite council chiefs being aware of the problem.

Pauline Childs, 83, was walking along Above Bar Street in Southampton when she suffered the fall.

But civic leaders have admitted they had been informed of the problem more than a week before the pensioner was injured.

They said they chose not to carry out the work because of the busy Christmas

period. Mrs Childs told the Daily Echo she has not wanted to leave her home in Estridge Close, Lowford, because of the damage caused to her face.

"I had been shopping in town when I suddenly tripped over a loose slab and fell flat on my face and people had to lift me up," she said.

"An ambulance was called as well but I didn't need to go to hospital.

"I can't go out of the house like this. It looks like I've been in a fight with Frank Bruno."

Council chiefs said they have now been able to seal off the affected area and work was expected to finish this week.

A spokesman said: "In spring there will be permanent repairs. It is unfortunate this incident happened just before they started work."