Hundreds of fuming motorists may face costly repair bills after a bodged resurfacing job left car tyres and paintwork ruined.

Workmen attempted to resurface Steeple Road, between Latchingdon and Mayland, last Monday (August 18) only for the tar not to set and harden.

Nonetheless, motorists were still allowed to drive along Steeple Road and many got home to find their tyres clogged with tar and stones, as well as tar splatters over the bodywork of their vehicles.

Ford Mondeo driver Kevin Gipson said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the state the car was in.

“I was disgusted they left the road in that condition.

An Essex Highways spokesman confirmed a "random storm" had resulted in the tar not setting.

Motorists are now seeking compensation.

See the MBS for the full story.