IPSWICH: An angry motorist expects to be without his car for up to a fortnight after the vehicle was badly damaged by a giant pothole.

Two wheels on Dick Smith’s Ford Mondeo estate car buckled after he drove over a mini crater in Park Road on December 23.

Mr Smith’s experience is the latest pothole-related incident to be reported since we re-launched our Spot the Pot campaign earlier this month.

He said: “I was driving along Park Road when I heard an almighty bang as my front wheel went over the hole.

“There was then a second bang when the back wheel went over and I knew straight away that I was in a spot of trouble.

“The front nearside wheel was quite badly damaged and later I noticed that the back nearside wheel had also buckled. There may also be damage to the car’s suspension.

“It’s amazing to think that potholes can do so much damage.

“But they clearly need to be repaired as soon as is possible.”

The damage resulted in Mr Smith being without his car for several days after he was unable to contact his insurance company.

He added: “The incident happened on December 23 but my insurance company’s office didn’t re-open until December 29.

“I have to resort to claiming on my insurance for this damage, meaning I now have to pay �200 excess for the damage these potholes caused.

“So I was without a car over Christmas which caused me a lot of inconvenience. My car was eventually taken away on December 30.

“I’ve been told that because of all the New Year holidays I could be looking at two weeks before it’s repaired.

“I’ve been given a courtesy car, but it’s still a lot of hassle to deal with.”

Suffolk County Councillor Guy McGregor, portfolio holder for roads, said: “Where significant potholes are identified by our highways officers or they are reported to us, we will repair them as quickly as possible. Where defects are more minor they will be repaired in good time subject to funding being available.”

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@eveningstar.co.uk.

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