Pat Swift, 78, a former civil engineer living in Minchinhampton, Stroud, has counted over 150 potholes on just a 200-yard stretch of Well Hill road outside his home. The deteriorating condition of this road is causing constant rattling noises as cars and vans hit the potholes, and it poses serious risks to cyclists, walkers, and horse riders who regularly use the route.
Mr Swift recounted a recent accident where a cyclist was seriously injured after riding into a pothole, sustaining multiple injuries and damaging his bike. The poor state of the roads has resulted in many locals facing costly repairs to their vehicles due to damaged suspensions, tyres, and wheels from swerving to avoid potholes.
The wet weather in Gloucestershire has worsened the road conditions, filling potholes with water and making them almost invisible at night. Rural roads in Minchinhampton and nearby villages such as Burleigh and Avening have similarly declined. Despite numerous complaints—over 20 outstanding for just this 200-meter section—repairs have been minimal and often only partial.
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Locals have taken matters into their own hands by erecting homemade signs warning drivers of potholes in an attempt to slow traffic and prevent further damage or injuries. Mr Swift expressed frustration with the local council’s response, citing the use of the Fix My Street app that reports issues but often does not lead to prompt repairs.
The road’s dangerous double bend forces vehicles to drive on the wrong side, increasing the risk to other road users. Mr Swift emphasises that Well Hill is a frequently used thoroughfare for walkers, dog owners, and horse riders traveling between Minchinhampton and the nearby town of Nailsworth.
The underlying problem is recurring damage caused by weather patterns: water seeps into road cracks, freezes and expands in winter, enlarging the lapses in the road surface. While Gloucestershire County Council assures residents that highway teams are “working flat out” to manage pothole repairs, the current strategy focuses on patching the largest holes rather than comprehensive resurfacing.
Council member Joe Harris stated that over 56,000 minor repairs have been completed this financial year and resurfacing projects are scheduled for key roads throughout the county. However, residents like Mr Swift hope for a more thorough resolution to prevent ongoing damage and ensure safety on the region’s roads.