A Gedling resident says he has spent more than three years asking Nottinghamshire County Council to fix a pothole outside his home — but claims the authority refuses to act because it “does not meet the criteria for remedial work”.
Michael Taylor, 72, first reported the defect in early 2022. Highways workers later filled it with tarmac, but he says a smaller cavity beside the repair was left untouched.
“I phoned them to ask if that was the repair. They told me they only do what’s necessary,” said Mr Taylor. “I told them it would get bigger, and that’s exactly what’s happened.”
The pothole has since grown to around two metres long. Mr Taylor says council staff have visited the site several times to measure it, but never repaired it again.
“They measure around the edge, not the middle,” he said. “It’s at least 50mm deep in the centre, but they claim it’s less than 30mm, which is the repair threshold.”
Mr Taylor says debris from the crumbling tarmac has damaged his car and splashed water onto him after rain. “I’ve been drenched three times getting into my car,” he said. “Bits break off daily — I’ve even found chips on my windscreen.”
Neighbour Patrick Flewitt, 82, said he tripped in the pothole on his way home from a pub. “I went over on it and it ached for days,” he said. “They’re not making a proper job of it. We’re not getting value for money on our council tax.”
Mr Taylor says he has made multiple complaints but believes the council is ignoring the issue. “It’s faulty workmanship,” he said. “If I’d paid someone to do that job, I’d want my money back.”
Nottinghamshire County Council has been contacted for comment.
