Selling potholes - would it work in Yate?

A cash-strapped village in eastern Germany has put its many potholes up for sale in a novel effort to finance the repair of its crumbing roads. "It's a funny idea to find people prepared to help sort out our roads," said the mayor Schmidt-Rose. "They can then sort of feel like they own a hole in the road", he said.

People can buy a hole in the road in the village of Niederzimmern near Leopzig for the knock down price of fifty Euros. The local authority then repair it and put a personal message on the top. Schmit-Rose said that some of the potholes had already been snapped up by television channels and newspapers wanting to advertise themselves.

Do you think the idea would work over here around Yate and Chipping Sodbury? Maybe this would be a unique idea for an anniversary message or birthday greeting for around £30?

I spoke to Mr Owen Jenkins of south Glos. Council and put the German idea to him. He didn't think it would work in our area. He told me that South Glos. had put extra money into road repairs, after the damage done by the worst winter in thirty-one years.

Pot holes are reported by a team of road inspectors, or by other council employees, or by members of the public. Pot holes are graded into three sizes. The largest, which is 300mm x 300mm by 40mm deep, or larger, which is about dinner plate size or larger are repaired within twenty four hours. Smaller holes are repaired within two weeks, or within twelve weeks for the smallest ones.

If you see that a pothole has appeared, or graffiti, or litter, or any other problem, phone the Streetcare Dept on 01454 868000 between 8.45am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am - 4.30pm on Fridays.

Alternatively e-mail streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or text 07950 080 111