It may have been dangerous, but every time I drove through the Osney Mead Industrial Estate in Oxford, I clenched my hands tight on the steering wheel and swerved to avoid the potholes.

I'm no Jeremy Clarkson but even I could see they were doing nothing for my Volkswagen Polo's suspension.

The road was left pitted and scarred by the floods which subsided several weeks ago. Temporary repairs were done to a couple of holes but there was little noticeable improvement to the motorist.

Sorted: Reporter Zahra inspectsthe repairsEvery time I drove to and from work my teeth rattled and I couldn't believe that still nothing had been done.

The potholes got deeper and deeper and I was astonished they had not caused an accident - I was not the only one who swerved dangerously all over the road in a bid to avoid them.

Action needed to be taken.

I put on my Victor Meldrew hat and called the city council. After the tiresome ritual of being pushed from pillar to post by about six different city council departments I finally spoke to Shaun Hatton, the council's assistant highways manager.

I don't usually vent my rage on the phone - especially not when speaking to inoffensive city council officers who are often as frustrated with the system as I am - but I had no qualms this time.

"The road is dangerous," I cried. "There's bound to be an accident sooner or later."

Mr Hatton patiently agreed the road was 'shot to bits' and admitted that it was in need of 'serious money' being spent on it, but he said it would not be before the end of March that repairs could be done.

Then the power of the Press reared its ugly head.

I said I was about to write a story on the state of the road - and Mr Hatton crumbled. He told me he would get an inspector out the next day to see what repairs were necessary.

And, good as his word, when I left the Oxford Mail head office the next day at 10am en route for Witney, I spotted a brigade of council workers not just inspecting but starting the necessary repair work.

By lunchtime the offending holes were filled in and the road surface looked as neat as a patchwork quilt.

"Victory is sweet," I thought as I drove in a straight line along Osney Mead for the first time in weeks.

Mr Hatton may not be proud of the state of Oxford's roads, but he's certainly a man who gets results.

"If you're in the same situation as I was then don't hesitate to contact him. I'm sure he'll be only too pleased to help.