A large pothole at Tanhouse Road and Bodmin Hill in Lostwithiel had gone unrepaired for over a month, frustrating residents and closing the road. In May 2023, an anonymous individual filled it with concrete, temporarily reopening it.
Cornwall Council quickly shut the road again, calling the DIY fix unauthorized and unsafe. Officials are investigating the act, as the person also removed warning signs without permission. Councilor Colin Martin criticized the delays, blaming budget cuts and understaffing, and described the incident as symbolic of broader failures in public infrastructure.
While locals appreciated the quick fix, officials warn that unauthorized repairs can pose safety risks and hinder proper maintenance.
The case highlights growing tensions between citizen action and government inaction amid limited public resources.
