CARS in the New Forest are under attack by an unusual selection of critters, who have emerged after a brutal winter.

The Abbotswell Tyre-Eater, the Frogham Hill Gorge and the Godshill Wheel-Nipper are just a few of the car-killing creatures lying in wait for motorists and cyclists.

These axle-deep potholes are unavoidable and hundreds of motorists are plunging straight into them.

Chas Cochand from Blissford has been out and about, taking photographs of the treacherous stretches, which are damaging wheels on cars and bikes across the Forest.

And he has given them names.

“Have you survived the Frogham Hill Gorge or the Godshill Cross Wheel Nipper?” said Mr Cochand.

“There is the Long Cut Barrier Reef Narrows where it is ever so treacherous between Bramble Hill and Brook.

“There is a bad pothole wreathed in hub caps, just by the road to Fritham. And it’s not just cars – what about the cyclists?”

A spokesman for Hampshire Highways said: “Following the impact of serious flooding on the county’s roads, we are prioritising urgent work on safety hazards.

“Your reports of local issues are important to us. We have therefore re-deployed staff to help deal with the backlog.

“However, we apologise that non-urgent work to deal with less serious road defects, provide carriageway improvements and process damage claims will be delayed and it will take longer than usual to deal with routine requests.”