Council says pothole reports have fallen by 44%

There were nearly 10,000 pothole reports in Wiltshire between January and June

A council leader has said there is "lots more to do" despite a dramatic fall in the number of potholes being reported.

Wiltshire Council announced a 44% decrease in the number of reported potholes in relation to the six months of 2025, compared to the first six months of 2024.

Council leader Ian Thorn said this is down to increased effort and investment in the issue, but admitted that dry weather over summer could "play a part."

However, local Conservatives have accused the Liberal Democrat-run administration of taking credit for the improved figures despite the council being Tory led for years.

Richard Clewer accused the Lib Dems of piggy-backing on Conservative success

Conservative group leader Richard Clewer said: "The work of the last Conservative administration in securing this funding, and Wiltshire Council's officer team and contractors work to significantly increase the maintenance teams and pothole-filling 'bobcats' in delivering extra repairs, is an excellent example of what a well-run, effective council can deliver."

He added: "We are, however, concerned at the hypocrisy of the current Liberal Democrat leadership of Wiltshire Council, in trying to take credit for this work, especially given that they voted against the extra funding in the last two council budgets."

But the Lib Dems say they were celebrating the work of the council – not claiming credit for themselves.

Responding to Mr Clewer, Mr Thorn said: "I'm disappointed that the Conservatives are trying to score political points."

He added: "We should all be pleased that the number of potholes has significantly decreased and I pay tribute to the members of Wiltshire Council staff and our contractors for the work they have done.

"There is still much to be done in the coming months and years. Fixing our roads should be above party politics and I intend to keep it that way."

Wiltshire Council's figures reveal there were 9,976 pothole reports between January and June in 2025 compared to 17, 954 in 2024. In 2023, the local authority received 15,226 reports over the same period.

Speaking on BBC Radio Wiltshire, Mr Thorn expanded on the wider issue of potholes in Wiltshire.

He said: "There are potholes across the county, nobody's denying that.

Ian Thorn says he does not underestimate the damage of a pothole

"What we are saying is that there are fewer potholes and fewer people reporting them.

"So in this world of slight doom and gloom, this is a good piece of news we wanted to share."

Mr Thorn added that he had lost a tyre as a result of a pothole and "does not underestimate" the damage they can cause.

He added: "I've said I'll report back to residents in another six months. The weather does play a part - we have had a very dry six months."