A CARLISLE man has hit out at Cumbria County Council over a failed compensation claim after his car was allegedly damaged by a cobble.

Luke Coupland said his Vauxhall Viva car hit a raised cobble on Pettril Street, Carlisle on February 25 last year, and damaged part of the vehicle.

Following the incident, the security worker got in touch with Cumbria Highways in March last year to report it, and after no response for several months, got in touch again in September.

Luke told the News & Star: "The oil sump was damaged, and oil leaked out onto the street when it happened.

"My car had to get towed away.

"A claims form was sent out in September, and was filled in and sent back to Zurich, who have something to do with claims at the council.

"I was later told that the claim was invalid, and in a another letter about 90 days later on January 3, 2019, was told I have no automatic right to compensation.

"The letter stated that the area along Pettril Street is examined [by the council's roads teams] on a three month basis."

We put Mr Coupland's concerns to Cumbria County Council.

A spokesman from the authority said: “The council is unable to comment on individual claims.

"The best way the public can help our highways teams to maintain the network is to provide us with detailed information on defects and include good photos, when safe to do so.

"The county council’s website has lots of useful information for drivers to review as they prepare for driving in the winter months, as well as an online reporting tool for all road defects.”

To report a problem on the roads or pavements across the county, go online to: https://bit.ly/2B4dLY2

Alternatively, call the Highways Hotline on 0300 303 2992.