An 84-year-old man is furious after tripping over a pot-hole covered road he claims resembles a “bomb site”.

In recent years Brook Mews in Chigwell has deteriorated, a large, deep crater forming round an exposed iron drain cover.

Despite repairs last year the road surface has crumbled again, providing a dumping ground for fly tippers.

Chigwell resident Gerald Nathanson fell foul of the poor quality of the road when he tripped on the damaged surface.

Epping Forest Guardian:

He said: “I am receiving treatment for arthritis, which has deteriorated considerably as a result of the fall.

“The parlous state of the whole area is fraught with danger for pedestrians, cyclists and even cars.”

Mr Nathanson argued the state of Brook Mews, which he said “resembles a road in a bomb site” and is used as a “rat run” by drivers, is symptomatic of Chigwell’s falling standards.

He added: “I have lived in and loved living in Chigwell Village for more than 15 years.

“It’s generally dirty and run-down condition makes it a breeding ground for continuous fly-tipping, some of which often takes place immediately outside our own well maintained bin cupboards.”