Victims of a regime of child abuse are suing two London councils for damages which could total £10m.

Lawyers, acting for more than 20 former residents of a privately owned children's home, have served notice of High Court proceedings against Kensington and Chelsea and Southwark councils, alleging the authorities failed in their duty of care to children they sent to Barlavington Manor, near Petworth in Sussex.

The family-run rural home purported to be a haven for young people from inner cities a London Evening Standard investigation discovered that children were beaten, humiliated and treated as skivvies by the wealthy polo-playing owners.

These findings were supported by a police investigation but there were no prosecutions because the owners have died. An independent inquiry set up by Kensington and Chelsea council confirmed ill-treatment.

This included cruel punishments, poor care, food and clothing, verbal humiliation and children being used as menial labour to support the affluent lifestyle of owners John and Anna Ellis.

Although the council accepted the findings of the independent inquiry by welfare expert Keith Bilton, and apologised to former residents, it did not accept liability. However, a group of former residents is now suing for damages.

Most were at the home in the 1970s and early 1980s and, once there, were rarely visited by their London social workers.

Many spent most of their childhood at Barlavington Manor. They emerged into adulthood traumatised by their experiences. Many have had problems with drug abuse, few have been able to hold down a job and at least one has committed suicide.

Lawyers have issued proceedings claiming damages for pain and suffering and also loss of potential earnings.

Robin Parslow, who is acting for the majority of the victims, said: "These people are still severely damaged. They have been denied a normal life."

Malcolm Johnson, secretary of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, who is representing one of the victims, said the damages claim would be "substantial".

A third council, Hampshire, which also sent children to Barlavington Manor, is also being sued. Experts believe the minimum individual payment could be £500,000 so the total bill to the local authorities could easily reach £10m.

It is expected to be several years before the issue is resolved.

A spokesman for Kensington and Chelsea council said the matter is in the hands of its insurers.

Used courtesy of the London Evening Standard