THE success of one man’s legal battle with Essex County Council over an 18-inch wide pothole has landed him on TV.

Frank Cattrall, 65, of Colchester, will feature on Channel 5’s Where’s there’s blame, there’s a claim to discuss the pothole in Greenstead Road, Colchester, which ruined his car’s suspension.

The three-part documentary series goes behind the stories of pay-outs from freak accidents and preventable calamities.

Mr Cattrall won his fight for compensation in January 2014 and gives advice to others experiencing the same difficulties.

He said: “Lots of it is common sense but when you have what’s right on your side, just be persistent.

“What does it cost to send an email or letter?”

Mr Cattrall added: “We filmed at the Rose and Crown in East Street and I spoke about how I started my claim and the entire legal process.

“I also met Rob Knight, who’s moved out of Colchester now, but also successfully sued the council.”

Mr Cattrall said he wanted to stand up for what was right.

He said: “I’m a stickler for things like this and my advise to anyone would be not to give up.

“In my case the pothole I went down on the junction of Greenstead Road and Hythe Station.

“The council then resurfaced the whole road in the same year my claim was won.”

A county court judge ordered the authority to pay Mr Cattrall £500 plus £115 in costs.

His success was due to damning evidence he acquired from a Freedom of Information request, proving the council knew about the pothole.

However, it took about nine months before Mr Cattrall’s case went to court and three months until he received a response from Essex County Council after the damage occurred.

He said: “It’s ridiculous, people shouldn’t have to wait that long when you’ve forked out for damage.

“The amount we pay in vehicle excise tax, nowhere near the amount of money which is collected goes on the roads.

“I think that’s the most aggravating part, that the potholes are still there.

“I’ve seen some that even lorries and buses have trouble going over.

“The roads are shocking.”

To find out Mr Cattrall’s secret to success, watch the show which will be screened on Channel 5 on July 12 starting at 9pm.