Disabled Horsham man ‘financially destitute’ after pothole damage to car

Pete Owles, who lives in Church Road, Roffey, had to fork out £285 to fix the springs on his car’s wheels.

However when he submitted a claim to West Sussex County Council (WSCC) for the damage it was turned down, much to his annoyance.

“I do not feel very happy at all,” he said.

“All I wanted was the cost of what it cost me. I’m a disabled pensioner. It cleared me out and it’s left me financially destitute.”

The potholes have now been fixed, but Mr Owles feels WSCC failed in their duty to keep his road safe and were out of order.

“I should not have to fund their negligence by paying for car repairs that were otherwise unneeded,” he explained.

He said he reported the series of potholes at least three times since the New Year, and countless times in 2012, but to no avail.

Since Church Road and Beech Road are used by some motorists to avoid the Harwood Road traffic lights, he believes its status as a D-class road is a misnomer.

Mr Owles, who has severe mobility issues, has been an ardent supporter of disabled issues in Horsham town centre.

West Sussex County Council have been approached for comment.