Pat Swift, 78, a former civil engineer, resides on Well Hill in Minchinhampton, Stroud — a road notorious for its severe pothole problem. On a short 200-yard stretch near his home, Mr Swift has counted more than 150 potholes, ranging from small depressions to large cavities.
From his porch, he hears the constant rattling of cars and vans navigating the treacherous surface, and he has even witnessed cyclists injured after hitting the damaged road. “A few years ago, a young cyclist crashed after hitting a pothole, suffering significant injuries and ruining his bike,” Mr Swift recalls. “He was fortunate not to be hurt more seriously.”
The road’s poor condition poses a daily risk to walkers, horse riders, and vehicles alike. In recent months, prolonged wet weather has worsened the situation, filling potholes with water and making them harder to see — especially at night. “You don’t know what obstacle you’re hitting if you’re unfamiliar with the area,” Mr Swift warns.
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Rural roads in Minchinhampton, Burleigh, and Avening have all deteriorated, leading to frequent damage to car suspensions, tyres, and wheels as drivers swerve or crash. Frustrated residents have erected their own “potholes” warning signs to alert motorists, hoping to encourage slower, more cautious driving.
Despite the presence of an official reporting platform, Fix My Street, complaints remain unresolved. Mr Swift points out that over 20 unresolved pothole reports are still listed within just 200 meters of his home. He stresses the need for comprehensive repairs rather than patching only the deepest holes, which often leads to more potholes forming.
“The road is now a patchwork of partial repairs and fresh potholes. What’s really needed is a proper resurfacing,” he says.
Gloucestershire County Council acknowledges the problem. Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Joe Harris, states their teams are working tirelessly to address the winter weather’s impact and have completed over 56,000 minor repairs so far this year. The council plans ongoing resurfacing projects to provide long-term solutions across the county.
“The safety of local residents and road users is our priority,” Cllr Harris says. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we focus on the most urgent fixes and continue making progress.”