Motorist Fills Pothole Without Consent – Private Company Reportedly Furious
Lostwithiel, Cornwall — A local motorist has stirred up controversy after taking road repairs into their own hands by filling a large pothole without official approval. The unapproved action, though praised by some in the community, has angered the private road maintenance company responsible for the area.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Tanhouse Road and Bodmin Hill, where a pothole had been a persistent hazard for months. Frustrated by delays from local authorities, the unidentified individual used concrete to fill the pothole in early May 2023, offering a temporary fix to a problem many believed had gone ignored for too long.
However, the quick patch didn’t last long.
Company Steps In
Soon after the DIY repair was discovered, Cormac, the private company contracted by Cornwall Council to manage road maintenance, removed the concrete. Officials argued that the work was not up to safety standards and could cause more harm than good. The road was subsequently re-closed, and warning signs were put back in place.
Cormac and council representatives expressed frustration—not only with the unauthorized repair but also with reports that the individual may have removed official signage during the process.
“This kind of interference can pose serious risks to road users,” said a spokesperson. “We have to follow specific standards to ensure the public’s safety. Random repairs, even well-meaning ones, complicate those efforts.”
Locals Divided
The public response has been mixed. Some residents applauded the anonymous fixer, calling the act a form of civil disobedience against bureaucracy. Others warned that bypassing safety rules could have serious consequences, especially if someone were injured because of the unofficial repair.
On social media, some commenters joked about “Cornwall’s own pothole vigilante,” while others criticized the council for letting the issue drag on for so long in the first place.
Investigation Underway
Cornwall Council has launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible. Removing road signage and tampering with public infrastructure are potential offenses under local law.
Meanwhile, the original drainage issues that led to the road’s closure remain unresolved. Locals continue to wait for a permanent, official repair—this time from the professionals.
