Whistleblower Martin Morton has taken further action in his fight for justice with Wirral Council.

His solicitors have issued a "Letter of Claim" to the authority confirming they are now pursuing his  former employers for damages.

Mr Morton blew the whistle on systematic overcharging of vulnerable adults living in council care homes and his revelations lit the fuse that eventually led to a highly-critical review by consultant investigator Anna Klonowski.

His legal representative David Kirwan, himself a former Wirral councillor, says damages should reflect the "pain and suffering" Mr Morton has undergone after reporting abuse and malpractice within the Department of Social Services.

A statement said Mr Morton, 50, from Prenton, has been left unemployed, depressed, and suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following his disclosures of wrongdoing within the department.

The former social services manager was exposed to harassment before being bullied out of his job in 2008.

The Globe took up Mr Morton's fight and after a three-year campaign a town hall meeting concluded he should be offered a full apology and "appropriate remedy including possible re-engagement with the council."

Mr Kirwan said: “We hold Wirral Council liable for the conduct of their employees, who targeted and pursued a course of conduct against our client from 2006 until the end of his employment in April 2008 that amounted to harassment.

“We have requested a decision as to liability within three months of the date of the letter.

"We will proceed with further action if liability is not admitted in that time.”

Graham Burgess, chief executive of Wirral Council, said: “We are pleased Martin Morton has now presented a claim and wish to ensure this matter is now resolved as speedily as possible.”