A Burnham dad-of-two is battling for compensation amid claims roadside work left him with a cracked windscreen.

Mobile phone store manager James Hayden, 34, was driving in Essex Road, Burnham, in September when workmen were strimming greenery on the verges.

Former St Peter’s High School pupil Mr Hayden said a “large rock” flew up into his new Ford Fiesta’s windscreen as the work was being carried out.

He said: “I just heard the bang and had a 10 inch crack in my windscreen."

A Maldon District Council spokesman said: “This claim was received back in September and passed to insurers who have considered this matter on our behalf.

“Our insurers have denied liability in this matter.”