​A Cheltenham garage owner says he is seeing two or three more customers a day because of damage caused by potholes.

And Nick Ebdon, from Ebdons of Cheltenham, in Swindon Road, says he has had so much business he will offer drivers free check-ups to spot the problem early.

The county’s road network was badly hit by snow and ice in last month’s cold snap with holes forming on a number of routes.

Garage owner Nick says the number of cars being brought in with damage is unprecedented.

“We’re seeing at least two or three more people on a daily basis because of this,” he said.

“There are those bringing their cars in for a normal service or MOT and discovering extensive damage has been caused to the underside of their car, whether that’s the suspension or the coil springs.

“In many cases, tyres have also been damaged and obviously it all costs money to repair. “Cheltenham’s roads are not in the best condition and the bad weather has certainly exacerbated the problem.

“It’s causing mayhem. It’s a real problem.”

“Some people don’t know what damage is being caused and obviously leaving something may lead to greater damage later on.”

The garage is offering residents a free underside check for their vehicles to ensure their peace of mind.

Mr Ebdon added: “I don’t want to alarm people but we thought we would offer a free clinic to those who want to have their vehicles underside checked. 

“We’ll lift it up and one of our engineers will take a look and see if everything is where it should be and in a decent condition.”

AA Insurance is reporting a rise in the number of insurance claims for pothole-related damage.  A spokesman for the firm said: “We’re seeing a four-fold increase compared with the same period last year. But with loss of no-claim bonus and insurance excess, it takes serious damage from a pothole strike to justify a claim.”