IPSWICH: A woman who suffered a nasty fall after tripping over a giant pothole today criticised the state of Ipswich’s roads.

Valerie Theobald left her home in Clapgate Lane last week and as she crossed the road her foot got stuck in a mini crater by the side of the pavement.

The 71-year-old toppled over and suffered minor bruises before being helped to her feet by kind-hearted people waiting at a nearby bus stop.

Mrs Theobald said: “I was crossing the road to go and post a letter. I had noticed the pothole before but totally forgot about it.

“I must have been looking straight ahead because before I knew it my foot had got stuck and I toppled over.

“I landed on my side with a bit of a thump. Thankfully a handful of people who were waiting at the bus stop across the road came over to help me.

“They helped me to get up and checked I was alright. I felt OK but a little shaken up by what had happened. Luckily, I only had a couple of minor bruises.”

Since her accident Mrs Theobald has given her backing to The Evening Star’s Spot the Pot campaign which aims to help rid Ipswich of its potholes.

We’re compiling a list of the mini craters which we will hand to Suffolk County Council after winter has ended.

Mrs Theobald added: “The pothole that I tripped over came up to my ankle – it’s enormous and something needs to be done about it.

“There’s an awful lot of them about nowadays and they pose a real danger to pedestrians and motorists.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a more serious accident as a result of a pothole very soon.”

n If you spot a pothole on your travels around town, give us a call or send us an e-mail to tell us where the hole is located – if possible with a postcode. Or send us your own pictures. Call our newsdesk on 01473 324788 or send an e-mail to starnews@evening star.co.uk.

n Potholes can be reported to Suffolk County Council on 0845 606 6171.