A driving instructor claimed recurring potholes on one street had been filled in with something akin to “chewing gum.”

Jack Smith had to fork out for wheel repairs which he says were caused by craters in The Street, Latchingdon.

According to Essex County Council’s website, there have been 16 reports of potholes in one stretch of The Street, near the junction with Burnham Road.

Mr Smith, of Bramley Way, Mayland, said: “They have repaired it a few times and for some reason it seems to be sinking away.”

He claimed whatever was used to fill it was like ‘chewing gum’ and the holes were reappearing.Essex Highways plans to resurface The Street in the next year, subject to funding.

Work to repair number of more serious defects, which have been assessed as needing treatment sooner, started on Friday.