Ask the Expert: Can I claim for pothole damage even if the pothole has been filled?

I live in a small village with only one road running through it. During the past year the potholes on the road have been getting worse; very few have been dealt with. In September my Nissan Qashqai developed a clonk; the local dealer discovered that the offside front suspension was badly damaged, and the total repair cost was £840. The mechanic suggested, without any prompting from me, that potholes may be to blame. I have tried to get compensation, but the council says I must tell it the date a