BUREAUCRATS have been criticised for branding a mansized pothole as not dangerous, despite it stretching for more than 6ft.

The monstrous pothole, in Shell Beach Road, Canvey, has been causing misery for residents, including Justin De’Ath, who had to pay out £140 after a chunk of loose tarmac shot straight through his windscreen.

He complained to Essex County Council about the problematic pothole months before it ended up damaging his car.

However, despite his complaints and the damage caused, the council said the road surface was “not dangerous”.

Mr De’Ath said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful that a pothole this size isn’t a priority.

“I’ve contacted them numerous times about this and unless they come and fix it, it could happen again and it’s only growing bigger. They have done temporary repairs twice now and every time it just gets larger.”

Mr De’Ath’s car was damaged in June, despite him informing County Hall of the problem. He added: “It was like a bullet, it just shot straight through the windscreen.

“I couldn’t believe it. I know it is not a lot of money, but it’s the principle of it. This never would have happened had they repaired it like I asked.

“Every time someone drives over it, my house just shakes.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways, part of the county council, said: “Essex Highways inspected the road condition on July 1 and it was assessed as not being in a dangerous condition.

“The defect will be monitored and if deterioration is noted, a repair will be scheduled in accordance with the highways maintenance policy.

“The clearing of debris from a highway is the responsibility of the relevant district or borough council.

“The authority would only be liable if section 41 of the Highways Act is breached.

However, damage caused by highway debris would not constitute such a breach”.