A week ago a concerned resident took this photo of potholes in Woodchurch Road, Shadoxhurst and sent it to the Kentish Express.

Less than a week later a pothole in the village caused a puncture and wheel damage which is beyond repair.

About 8.30pm on Wednesday evening, Helena Baldock from High Halden was driving at 40 miles per hour along Plurenden Road, just off Woodchurch Road.

“It was pitch black, I was in the middle of nowhere and I suddenly felt a bump and heard air being released,” she said.

She called her father to help change the tyre and the following day returned to measure the pothole.

It is 37 inches by 15 inches and five inches deep.

Meanwhile, there has been a claim that Church Lane, Shadoxhurst has more potholes than Woodchurch Road.

And an unofficial road sign has appeared Kent Highway Services says an extra 10 crews are working to reduce potholes, bringing the countywide total to 66 crews. Three times more crews are required this year than last because of this winter's 'big freeze'.

Kent Highway Services is again being asked to be patient.

In a letter to county councillors this week, interim director Caroline Bruce said:

“Potholes are still forming and, whilst we are repairing them the repairs will not always last so we will follow up with a more permanent repair where necessary when the weather gets warmer.

“The problem of potholes is something that is affecting every local authority across the country, and is going to take time and money to resolve.”

KCC is going to spend an additional £15.9million on highways maintenance during the coming year, including its winter service, road repairs, drainage and street lights.