A MOTORIST is counting the cost of a smashed wheel after hitting a massive pothole.

The hole which has several inches of water sitting in it around a water access cover is not hard to see and many drivers along Sutton Road, Rochford are able to avoid it.

But Kevin Attridge in his Ford Escort was forced to drive into it when a car was coming in the other direction.

The hole is right outside the entrance to Purdeys Industrial estate.

Mr Attridge, 54, of Stambridge Road, Rochford, said: “I drive this route daily. People avoid the hole like the plague it’s been there weeks. To avoid it you have to go partly on the other side of the road, on this occasion I couldn’t as a car was coming in the other direction.

“I heard a loud bang as I drove into it. It smashed my wheel.

“I put in a claim to Essex highways and reported the hole but more than ten days on its still there and getting bigger with all the rain we’ve had.

“This could be quite dangerous for a moped rider if they hit it. I’m amazed the council are ignoring it.”

He added it was lucky he wasn’t in his other car a Mercedes or the repair bill would be higher.

He is submitting a claim form to Essex County Council for the wheel to be fixed.

He warned: “Drivers should inspect their wheels. People may not realise but one could be damaged and its only while at speed on a motorway it may cause a blowout.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of this defect and it will be scheduled for repair in due course. In order to ensure safety and minimise disruption to the road network, the County Council has to prioritise work on road defects that present the most immediate safety risk.
 

“We cannot comment on individual compensation claims. However please be assured that all claims received by Essex County Council are investigated fully."