Royal Wootton Bassett's worst potholes and roads revealed

Complaints from locals on the reporting site FixMyStreet and the MyWilts app show dozens of potholes scattered across the Royal Wootton Bassett - with reports of cars being damaged due to the road surfaces.

Although areas of Bassett seem particularly bad, this is a nationwide problem and data from the RAC shows that the company attended 7,904 breakdowns in the UK between January and March 2024 due to bad road surfaces.

"This is a clear sign that the UK is suffering a pothole epidemic as roads continue to crumble," said a spokesperson for the company.

Pothole-related breakdown numbers have also gone up by 10 per cent in the last 12 months, making it a far from smooth ride.

But in Wiltshire, there has also been a 20 per cent increase in pothole repairs in 2024, in an attempt to tackle this issue.

Wiltshire's Council leader Richard Clewer spoke about the effects of bad weather on highways on Tuesday, May 7, stating that the council are "doing all we can."

But for many locals, who have faced large costs due to vehicle issues caused by potholes, it's not enough. Here are just a few of Bassett's worst potholes in recent months, as reported by you.

The potholes in Royal Wootton Bassett that have been reported to Wiltshire Council. (Image: MyWilts)

Worst areas for potholes in Royal Wootton Bassett

Coped Hall

For commuters travelling to and from Swindon, Coped Hall marks the bumpy entrance into Royal Wootton Bassett.

On April 17, Wiltshire Council repaired several potholes opposite the Ascona petrol station at Coped Hall after locals declared the area was becoming a 'real danger'.

But the patch-up work has done little to smooth the road, and has created what one commuter described as a "rollercoaster experience - and not in a good way."

"Instead of potholes we now have lots of raised bumps which resemble driving over a cattle grid," said Simon Palmer in the community Facebook group.

"Just driven down there thinking it would be repaired and I personally think it’s worse," added Emma Kemp.

Areas which remain a particular concern are outside the Churchill Pub and on the Coped Hall roundabout.

Our photographer was unable to capture the newly repaired 'potholes-turned-speedbumps' due to safety issues at the location, but there was no shortage of bumpy road to see.

Coped Hall has been described as a 'bumpy ride' (Image: Dave Cox)

Longleaze and Stoneover Lane

Numerous potholes can be spotted in this area, and it is clear from the community response that they are taking their toll.

"We've had to get two new tyres through potholes in Stoneover Lane, it's an absolute nightmare everywhere," said Lynn Lis.

"I’ve had to have a tyre & a spring replaced in the last six months due to the diabolical state of the roads," added Philip Dowding.

The potholes in this area are currently some of the deepest in Bassett and multiple drivers told us they had to swerve onto the other side of the road to avoid them.

Potholes on Longleaze have caused issues for drivers. (Image: Dave Cox)

High Street

Four potholes are currently marked as 'yet to be fixed' on the Wiltshire Council website.

These are at the junction with New Road, outside Wootton Bassett Infant School, and two at the junction with Longleaze.

Although many of the deepest potholes have been repaired by Wiltshire Council, the coverings often break down and new potholes regularly appear.

"There was one outside Paper Kisses card and gift shop," said one anonymous local who reported the issue.

"Every time a vehicle went over it made a loud sound like it was uneven or the cover wasn't fitting properly."

The patching up of potholes on the High Street has improved the issue, but still makes for an uneven ride. (Image: Dave Cox)

Noremarsh Road

Noremarsh Road currently has the most potholes in Royal Wootton Bassett that are currently recorded on the MyWilts app.

These are located at regular intervals along the road, turning the street into a slalom of potholes.