Wiltshire pothole A361

by bushjaxx

02 Nov 2009

Only lived in Wiltshire for a few years, but it seems to have the worst roads in the country and every journey seems to be spent dodging potholes.
I drive a vw van with 18" audi alloys and lowered suspension, which is crutial to my business.
I collected the van from its mot in July, it needed rear tyres and other minor bits, i had only travelled about 4 miles before i unavoidably hit a huge hole, caused by a previous trench being dug in the road. It deflated the front tyre, virtually removed one of the new rears, put a huge dent in one of the wheels and has done significant suspension/ steering damage.
I immediatly phoned the council potholes hotline, got told the road would be repaired and a claim form sent out in the post.
The next day the road was patched up, only for it to collapse several days later, they eventually replaced a large section of the road.
When the council eventually got back it was the standard letter that they could not be held responsible and the road was inspected on average 12 times a year. ( not sure i believe it because it appears to have been deteriorating for a while by the amount of loose broken tarmac strewn alongside the kerb for some way down the road ( can be seen in pic)They also stated that as it was a wessex water trench they are not responsible
for the condition of the repairs and it is down to wessex water??
Having spoke to friend who lays gas mains he tells me that the council has to pressure test the repair before the road can be re-instated,
Has anyone else experienced anything similar with a services repair as not sure whether to persue wessex water or wiltshire council,