Closed
Urgent – Severe potholes across full road width causing vehicle damage and pedestrian hazard (Sheep Street / Drapery / Bus Station area)
Sent to West Northamptonshire Council less than a minute later. ref: 9053216.
I am reporting extremely severe road surface failure on Sheep Street near the Drapery and the bus station area, close to Al Fairoz and The Bear in Northampton.
The road is in a dangerous condition with multiple very deep potholes and collapsed tarmac stretching across almost the entire width of the carriageway for approximately 4–5 metres. These defects are large enough that vehicles cannot avoid them, and drivers are routinely forced to drive through them.
This is already causing vehicles to scrape their underbodies and risks significant mechanical damage, tyre damage, or loss of control. As this is a heavily used town-centre road with buses, taxis, and constant traffic, the risk is ongoing and affects a high number of road users daily.
The damaged surface also presents a serious pedestrian hazard. People frequently cross at this location and the broken, uneven carriageway creates a clear trip risk, particularly for elderly pedestrians, disabled users, or anyone crossing in poor visibility or wet conditions.
The photo I have provided is from July 2023 and already shows clear road damage at that time. The condition of the road today is at least ten times worse, with much deeper and more extensive surface failure. This demonstrates that the road has not received the proper maintenance required for many years, despite the heavy daily usage due to its location next to the bus station.
Multiple reports have been submitted previously but the road condition continues to deteriorate and now requires urgent inspection and repair. This is no longer a minor defect — it is a major carriageway failure requiring immediate attention.
Please arrange for an urgent site inspection and permanent repair as soon as possible to prevent vehicle damage, potential injury, and further deterioration of the road surface.
Location: Sheep Street / Drapery / Bus Station area, Northampton Landmark reference: near Al Fairoz restaurant and The Bear pub
Updates
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Thank you for reporting a fault. Officers will now investigate the concerns and this may take up to 5 working days. If you believe that your concerns are urgent then please phone us.
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Reported a number of times Got told its not that bad
Well now it needs a full relay
Sink hole type holes appearing
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Investigation: Ongoing - We are aware of this issue, we are currently waiting for Anglian Water to complete their repair works to the water leaks before we carry out the resurfacing of this section of the carriageway.
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @wnhighways -
Make anglain water speedx up and fix it
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Thank you for providing an update. Officers will now investigate the concerns and this may take up to 5 working days. If you believe that your concerns are urgent then please phone us.
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This is not an acceptable excuse anymore. Residents have been reporting these dangerous road conditions for well over a year, yet nothing meaningful has been done. Blaming delays on other works can only go on for so long while the road continues to deteriorate.
This issue now goes beyond one section of road. The entire stretch leading up to Lady’s Lane at the traffic lights is completely destroyed, with severe potholes, uneven surfaces, and damage throughout. It is unsafe for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users.
At this point, many residents are left questioning whether those making these decisions actually live in or care about Northampton. How can the standard of our roads be allowed to fall this low in the place we call home?
This needs immediate action, not more delays or generic responses. We pay to use these roads and deserve a safe, properly maintained road network. Please prioritise urgent repairs and provide a clear timescale for when the full resurfacing will finally be completed.
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Still waiting for an update, we was told 5 days on the 17th of april, where's the update?
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Investigation: Completed (No Action Necessary) - We are aware of this issue, we are currently waiting for Anglian Water to complete their repair works to the water leaks before we carry out the resurfacing of this section of the carriageway.
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @wnhighways
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @wnhighways
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @wnhighways
For more information about our services, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ parking-roads-and-transport
You can also keep up to date on highways by following us on Facebook and Twitter @wnhighways
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.