Flooded pothole near A360 in Wiltshire is 'dangerous'

Cllr leader Cllr Richard admitted that highways engineers have struggled to resolve a “persistent issue” on Cheverell Road, between the village and the A360 to Devizes.

A large pothole has formed at a bend on the rural road, and the area is saturated with water that is causing further deterioration.

At the time of writing, the waterlogged land has so far prevented the council from repairing the significant damage and temporary traffic lights have been deployed until work can take place.

These lights are scheduled to remain in operation until May 3, according to the council’s roadworks map.

Road safety campaigner Michael Maxwell, who has argued for the council to tackle crash hotspots in the area, believes the pothole is “dangerous” and is one of several issues causing problems for villagers near Devizes.

The damaged and flooded road in Wiltshire (Image: Michael Maxwell)

He said: “It must be classified as the most dangerous category… and needs a proper clearance of the ditches plus rebuilding of the road foundations and resurfacing.

“The danger lurks below the lake surface now and will easily destroy a nearside tyre or suspension, plus it causes traffic to meet head-on at a blind bend on a 60mph road.

“The detail of the surface and the flooding is due to a substandard piece of ditch deepening in the road verge, I do not think Wiltshire is managing their highway contractors properly.

“Many villagers feel this just confirms the lack of spend on the villages.”

Cllr Clewer insisted that the council intended to complete repairs to the road as soon as possible.

But he explained that repair work cannot begin until water levels subside and allow engineers to access the site with machinery.

The damaged and flooded road in Wiltshire (Image: Michael Maxwell)

He said: “Unfortunately this road is a persistent issue which cannot be treated with typical pothole remedies.

“The area behind the carriageway is saturated with water, particularly within the bend, which is the primary cause of deterioration.

“We have identified additional repair works which could resolve the issue but we are currently unable to access the site with the machinery as the surrounding land is waterlogged and the water levels must subside for the investigation and full repair to take place.

“However, we are looking to complete the work as soon as the water levels subside, and in the meantime, we’ve deployed traffic signals at the location to increase safety for road users.”