Bottom Line Up Front
Local activist Ben Thornbury has turned Malmesbury’s potholes into a series of eye‑catching stunts – from pothole golf to eating Weetabix from a hole – to force the council to fix the town’s crumbling streets.
Shredded Street: Ben Thornbury’s Pothole Stunts Expose Bad Roads in Malmesbury
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Image: Shredded Street: Ben Thornbury’s Pothole Stunts Expose Bad Roads in Malmesbury – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Campaign Stunts & Their Design
Thornbury started with a makeshift golf course built inside the high‑street potholes. The quirky idea drew crowds, got horns honking, and prompted a quick council resurfacing. He then upped the ante with:
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- Pothole fishing – a stuffed pike and a watering can in a wheelbarrow.
- Weetabix breakfast – dunking cereal in a pothole at Somerford Keynes.
- Painting St George’s crosses on the pits.
Each stunt was simple, cheap, and highly shareable on his town’s 17,000‑member Facebook page.
Impact on Council Action (Performance)
The council says its recent road‑works are part of a pre‑planned programme, noting a 44% drop in reported potholes in the first half of 2024. Yet councillors across Wiltshire have acknowledged that Thornbury’s public displays helped raise the profile of the issue, even prompting visits from highway officials in neighbouring counties.
Nationally, the RAC reports a 9% rise in pothole‑related breakdowns this spring, and the government has earmarked £1.6 billion for road repairs. Thornbury’s antics illustrate how grassroots pressure can accelerate the use of that funding.
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Cost, Funding & Comparisons (Price & Rivals)
Repairing a single pothole can cost anywhere from £50 to £200, while vehicle damage averages £600 per incident. Compared with other UK areas, West Northamptonshire tops the list for poor surfaces (83% needing work), with Derbyshire close behind. Malmesbury’s budget is modest, but the publicity generated by Thornbury forces the council to allocate resources more transparently.
Quick Reference Table
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Pressure | Rapid (weeks) | Low (£0‑£200 per stunt) | Media buzz, council response |
How to Deal With Pothole Damage
If you’re stuck with a busted suspension or bent wheel, follow these steps:
- Take clear photos and note the pothole’s size.
- Gather any witness statements.
- Report the incident via the FixMyStreet app or directly to your council.
- Keep repair invoices for a possible claim.
Should your claim be rejected, you can request the council’s records under Freedom of Information and, if needed, take the matter to a small claims court.
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FAQ
What caused the surge in pothole‑related breakdowns this year?
Colder‑than‑average weather in early 2025 accelerated freeze‑thaw cycles, breaking up the road surface faster than usual.
Can a single resident really force a council to fix roads?
Yes. Thornbury’s viral stunts showed that creative, low‑cost actions can draw media attention and push councils to act faster.
How much funding is available for UK road repairs?
The government announced £1.6 billion for highways across England, with a quarter tied to councils publishing annual pothole‑repair reports.
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What do you think of Thornbury’s approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
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