A DRIVER is demanding compensation after his car was badly damaged by tree branches.

Student Laurence Kerans was lucky to escape unhurt when his car hit the branches, debris and thick pieces of wood from trees trimmed earlier that day in Storthes Hall Lane, Kirkburton.

As Laurence, 22, drove around a bend on the 40mph stretch on his way home, the tree remains went under his Peugeot 205 GTi - stripping off the lower front valance and part of the front bumper.

His valance was damaged, with two smashed fog lamps, a large crack in the fibreglass and it was covered in scratches. The oil sump was punctured, causing the engine to lose oil pressure.

The oil pump was also damaged, along with the car's suspension.

The car is off the road and cannot be driven due to the combined engine and suspension damage.

Now he wants action from Kirklees Council.

Mr Kerans, who is studying for a BSc in European logistics management at Huddersfield University, said: "I was completely shocked at what happened. It felt like I was going over a dozen speed bumps.

"Leaving the debris there is irresponsible. I believe that road safety is not the council's priority."

After he stopped he called the police, who said the area was unsafe and blocked off the road while it was swept clear. He said the police told him that had he been travelling on a motorcycle, the accident could have been fatal.

He claims there were no warning signs or any indication that tree surgeons had been trimming trees along the road that day.

Mr Kerans's car has had thousands of pounds spent on it, and it was professionally restored and resprayed last year.

He has more than five years' driving experience, and had never previously been involved in a road accident.

"I rely on the car as my only source of transport, especially late at night when the local bus service has stopped running," he said.

"My journey time will now be doubled. This incident has caused a real inconvenience for me."

Mr Kerans says his car will cost hundreds of pounds to fix.

He wants the council to compensate him for the damage.

A council highways spokesman said: "We are looking into this man's claim."