Council focuses on potholes after cold snap and wet weather

Thursday, 5 January 2023 00:00

Following the hot and dry summer, a period of cold winter weather and the continuing heavy rain, Wiltshire Council and its contractors are working hard to fix cases of potholes on the county’s highways.

As well as its usual teams working to fix potholes where they occur, the council has also tasked its 18 Parish Stewards to focus solely on mending potholes that meet our defect criteria over the next few weeks to help get on top of the issue.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Following the summer, the recent cold snap and the increasingly wet weather, we have seen an increase in potholes on some of Wiltshire’s roads, and we’re working hard to respond to this, to ensure we have well-connected communities, as set out in our Business Plan.

“The weather has provided the perfect conditions for potholes to form, and that’s why we’re seeing an increase in the number of road defects throughout the county.

“Our teams are responding to customer reports about potholes and other highways issues, and to help with this, we’ve tasked our 18 Parish Stewards to only work on patching potholes in their communities over the coming weeks.

“Because the weather is so wet, in many cases, our teams will patch the hole as a temporary fix, and then, later in the year, more permanent repairs will take place when conditions are more favourable.

“People can quickly and easily report potholes through our MyWilts app or website.”

In Wiltshire, the M4, A303, and A36 are all managed by National Highways, so any issues on these roads should not be reported to Wiltshire Council.

If people see a pothole on Wiltshire’s roads, they should report it using the MyWilts reporting system – either through the MyWilts smartphone app for Apple or Android devices or online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts

Feature Image: Wiltshire Council

More from Local News

Eclipse Watching: Hints and Tips including DIY Pin Hole Projector

Salisbury, along with the rest of the UK, is set to experience its fullest eclipse since 1999 this evening.
Fire and Rescue Service Issue Plea to Help Reduce the Risk of Wildfires

With the fifth heatwave of the summer coming in this week, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is again reminding people how to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
The Salvation Army salutes volunteers as heatwave hits Salisbury

As England and Wales endure a season of scorching heatwaves, The Salvation Army in Salisbury is taking a moment to salute the unsung heroes of the community: its volunteers.
Wiltshire Local Plan scoping consultation to begin next month

Wiltshire Council will launch the first consultation in the new Wiltshire Local Plan process next month, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders an early opportunity to help shape the future of the county, including in Salisbury on Tuesday, 8th September.
Country Fayre Returns in Support of Stars Appeal

Berwick St John Country Fair is returning for 2026 in support of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.
Five Star Salisbury Start League Campaign in Style

Salisbury kicked off their 2026/27 campaign in emphatic fashion and ran out 5-0 victors against Hampton & Richmond thanks to a second-half hat-trick from forward Jaiden Bartolo, with Nathan Odokonyero and Josh Hedges also getting on the scoresheet.
Goose Fair Crowds Raise £16k for Salisbury Hospice Charity

The Grimsdyke Goose Fair, held on Sunday 2nd August, saw people from across the south gather at Swaynes Firs Farm in Coombe Bissett for a traditional poultry auction and car boot sale.
Red Arrows to Celebrate Longleat Safari Park's 60th Anniversary with Fly-Past

The renowned RAF Red Arrows will conduct a special fly-past to mark the 60th anniversary of Longleat’s pioneering safari in Wiltshire, it has been announced.