A PENSIONER is calling for action to fill dangerous potholes where people are injuring themselves.

Terence Wakefield, from Wickford, sued Basildon Council for £3,100 after fracturing his wrist when he tripped on a pothole at Wickford Market.

A year on, up to 20 potholes, some of which are more than three inches deep, remain unfixed at the market and three other people are now suing the council.

Mr Wakefield, 78, of Leasway, said: “I can’t believe nothing has been done because the council has admitted liability in my case and people are continuing to injure themselves.

“The potholes have got worse since my accident because of the snow during the winter.”

He was walking through the market on June 7 last year when he tripped, tried to break his fall and fractured his wrist.

He was in plaster for six weeks, needed physiotherapy and couldn’t carry out everyday tasks or ride his bike for months.

Mr Wakefield called UClaim Personal Injury Specialists, in High Street, Wickford, which compiled a report on his injury and the potholes.

Basildon Council admitted liability and paid the compensation in February. Mr Wakefield said: “I was pleased with the money, but the main reason I claimed was to prevent the same thing happening to someone else.”

UClaim managing directors John Kirk and Robert Chambers, were surprised when people continued to call them about suffering injuries at Wickford Market, because they thought the potholes would have been fixed after Mr Wakefield’s case.

Simon Hughes, Basildon Council’s manager of corporate property and regeneration, said: “The council raised an order with an external contractor on May 27 this year to repair the potholes. This should be completed by the end of the week.”