A CYCLIST’S bike was badly damaged after he rode over a dangerous pothole.

Dennis Porley, of Red Barn Lane, Great Oakley, was riding home from his daughter’s house in Weeley when he hit the pothole.

It is on the corner of Whitehall Lane at the junction with Colchester Road, just outside Thorpe.

There is a metal drain in the middle of the pothole which was not visible as the crater was filled with water from recent rainfall.

Both of Mr Porley’s tyres burst and the spokes on the wheels were badly damaged.

He said: “It was dark and I couldn’t see the pothole until it was too late.

“I somehow managed not to come off, but when I got off to look at the damage the bike was in bad shape. I couldn’t ride it anymore.

“I wasn’t very happy at all. I tried to keep riding home but it just wasn’t possible, and I had to push it the rest of the way home.

“It is a long trek and it was a very miserable experience.

“I reported it to the council and I have been sent a claims form, but I’m not very hopeful.

“I just want something to be done about the pothole soon. I will know to avoid it now but it could catch other people out.”