A driver has criticised a decision not to compensate him after a “very deep pothole” blew a tire on his car.

Thomas Brinkley, 79, of Greensted Road, Loughton, requested £62 from Essex County Council after the incident in Pentlow Way, Loughton, on April 3.

He claimed he has conclusive evidence that the pothole that damaged his car, which he needs to help care for his wife June Victoria, 84, who has Alzheimer’s.

The council repaired the pothole in July, but last week refused Mr Brinkley’s compensation request.

“I am not doing this to get money out of the council,” he said.

“I pay my council tax, I pay my road tax and I just wish the council would make the roads safer.”

The council refused to comment on the case.

Potholes in the area recently came to national attention when entertainer Bradley Walsh said his car had been repeatedly damaged during an appearance on the BBC’s One Show.

Speaking on the show, Mr Walsh said the council “should be ashamed of themselves”.