Attempting to claim for pothole damage

[Stoofa]

Picked up a puncture earlier - I felt the pothole as I went over it, it felt pretty bad and a few moments later I got the telltale feeling of a flat tyre.
Looked at the scene, it's really quite big (how I didn't see it I don't know). One side of the road has been dug-up by the local water company and this pothole is just outside of their barriers blocking one side of the road.
As I was investigating and getting some pictures, another car goes through, loud noise and he's pulled over with a puncture too.

For me it's a £90 tyre. I shall go and purchase two - there was meat left of the tyre I've lost and the one on the same axle, but would prefer two with roughly the same amount of tread. Obviously would never dream of attempting to claim for two tyres.
I'm guessing this is a letter to the local council who will almost certainly say "we didn't know about this pothole" and as that is a valid defence, no money back for my tyre. Is it worth a letter to the water company too? I drive this area at least weekly and I truly do not remember this pothole, if I had to guess (and it is only a guess) this is damage caused at the same time the road was being dug up.

Any thoughts?

Ta

[Du1point8]

For a start off, if its punctured the tyre, I would be checking the alloy as well for damage.

There are enough threads about this, the search facility should bring them up along with their success rate.

[General Fluff]

Except if this hole was caused by the water company you may have a better chance. If they are liable then the council will refer the claim to them and in my case they paid up.

[48k]

Have a look at potholes.co.uk - full of useful advice

[herewego]

Did you move the barrier so that other people couldn't do the same and inform the water company straight away of the problem?

[Stoofa]

herewego said:

Did you move the barrier so that other people couldn't do the same and inform the water company straight away of the problem?

Couldn't move the barrier.
Their works blocks one side of the road and this pothole is just outside it - the road would be badly blocked if I'd done that.
However I did report the pothole on the council website as soon as I got home and also left a message on the "emergency number" listed on the water company sign.

[SVTRick]

herewego said:

Did you move the barrier so that other people couldn't do the same and inform the water company straight away of the problem?

If you interfere with any TM your leaving yourself liable, do not touch it.
A subsequent incident could leave you liable for a big claim.

As pothole is not a result of utility work, your claim is with the relevant
highway authority, photograph it and take measurements.
Start your claim with them direct and don't be fobbed off.