A MOTORIST is fuming after a roundabout in Brentwood was repaired days after council bosses said they felt it did not require fixing.

John Hedges was told by Essex County Council on August 16 they would not refund the £400 he spent on his Ford KA after it was damaged going over the Weald Road/Western Road roundabout.

The 56-year-old from Pondfield Lane was also told the authority did not feel the junction which had seen the roundabout disappear due to pothole and weather erosion needed immediate repair.

However, he was left outraged after reading the Weekly News’ article about the roundabout being repaired just days after speaking to council officials.

Mr Hedges said: “I am absolutely disgusted by how they have dealt with this.

“To say on August 16 they see no grounds for claims against the authority and they don’t believe the roundabout needs fixing only to repairs it a few days later is ridiculous.

“It has been over a year since people have been complaining about the state of the roundabout and I am now £400 out of pocket because of it.”

County Hall bosses said they could not comment on individual compensation claims.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “All compensation claims received by Essex County Council are investigated fully and costs are only paid if the council feels they would be held liable in court for having breached their statutory duties as the highways authority to maintain the highway.

“All claims are given the same legal consideration, whether the claim is for minor damage to a vehicle or for personal injury.”