Hamble village square pothole repairs criticised as temporary fix
A Hamble resident has criticised Hampshire County Council's quick-fix approach to repairing potholes at The Square, saying the appearance makes the village look neglected.
Concerns raised over pothole repair quality
A Hamble resident has voiced frustration over the quality of recent pothole repairs in the village square, arguing that the temporary fixes have left the area looking neglected and tired.
Peter Langdon, who owns The Old House, a Grade II listed property in the village square that he uses as a holiday let, witnessed council workers complete the repair work on Wednesday, May 6. He expressed disappointment with what he described as a "one-hour repair" that failed to address the underlying issues facing the area.
"The Square looks tired, and it has been completely neglected for years," Peter said. "The replacement bricks are not designed for high volumes of traffic, and they were only laid at a pedestrian level."
Traffic concerns
Peter highlighted a significant concern about the suitability of the repairs for the area's traffic patterns. The village square regularly accommodates large vehicles, with 38-tonne articulated lorries turning around in the location.
"Whoever decided this repair was appropriate does not know what they are doing," he added, expressing his view that the council's approach was inadequate for the area's needs.
Impact on village appearance
Beyond the structural concerns, Peter warned that the appearance of the poorly maintained square could be deterring visitors from coming to Hamble.
"This is what is welcoming people to the village – a scene of potholes and temporary repairs," he said. "The new repairs have made the Square look as bad as it did before. It looks like a mess."
This was the first time the road had been repaired in two years, according to Peter's account.
Council's response
Hampshire County Council acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the repairs are indeed temporary in nature. A spokesperson explained that asphalt was used as a practical solution to "make the road safe as efficiently as possible at a time when our teams continue to deal with a high number of potholes."
The council recognised that the appearance differs from the original block surface but maintained that the approach enables them to "complete work quickly and effectively, reducing disruption to local traffic and bus services."
Broader concerns
Peter's frustration extends beyond the immediate issue, reflecting concerns about the council's budget priorities. He noted that whilst the council faces significant financial pressures, with a proposed budget deficit of £101.9 million for 2026/27, the lack of investment in essential road maintenance is troubling.
"It is a symptom of a run-down council," Peter remarked. "The council has money to spend on other things but not on essential repairs for the roads."
The experience has affected his long-term plans for the village, with Peter suggesting he may reconsider his future in Hamble.
Source: Pothole repairs makes village look 'neglected and tired'