Former Coronation Street star Bradley Walsh has blasted pothole-ridden roads in Epping Forest as “a shocker” on national television.
The actor, comedian and game show host condemned two of the worst roads, Gravel Lane in Chigwell and Epping Lane in Stapleford Tawney, when he appeared as a guest on BBC One's One Show last night.
Mr Walsh said the county council should be "ashamed of themselves" after he claimed potholes had caused extensive damage to his car. He said that in 11 months he had needed five new tyres and along with damage to wheels it had cost him more than £1,500 in repairs.
Appearing on the early evening show to promote his new game show, Keep it in the Family, Mr Walsh said that 18 months ago he submitted letters, photographs and invoices to both district and county councils, but had been told there was "insufficient evidence" for compensation.
Turning directly to the camera, Mr Walsh pointed his finger and said: “Epping council, you are a disgrace”.
Mr Walsh’s comments followed a One Show feature highlighting a new report by the Public Accounts Committee which reveals public satisfaction with the state of roads is at its lowest since 2008.
Responsibility for maintaining roads falls to the county council. But following the star's outburst, Epping Town Council was targeted with complaints on social media.
Taking to Twitter, residents shared their own experiences of the district's potholes.
@EppingTown You have been named & shamed by @BradleyWalsh on @theoneshowbbc #rightlyso
— Stuart Pashley (@StuartPashley) October 23, 2014
You just got boied @EppingTown by @BradleyWalsh on #OneShow
— Basheer Khan (@BashWords) October 23, 2014
Bradley Walsh just slated epping county council on the one show...
— Faye Balcombe (@fayebalcombe) October 23, 2014
@BradleyWalsh Snap! Pothole experience! Took it from Epping CC to Essex and same response! #potholerevolution
— Mikaela Wilmot (@mikmuk88) October 23, 2014
@BradleyWalsh well done for highlighting on the one show how shocking Epping council are at dealing with pot holes! Had same fate #shocking
— ♥Amangel♥ (@amandaronan) October 23, 2014
Epping Town Council today released a statement saying: "The town council is also concerned about the condition of Epping's roads and pavements, but as the maintenance of these is the responsibility of Essex County Council there isn't much we can do to help.
"However, if Mr Walsh's car is running on December 5, we'd be delighted for him to make a guest appearance at our Christmas market."
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