An anonymous local driver has been dubbed the "Shefford Banksy" after taking creative and furious action against what residents describe as "horrendous" potholes on a Bedfordshire road. The motorist has repeatedly changed the name of Old Bridge Way in Shefford to protest the deteriorating conditions that have led to multiple vehicles suffering tyre damage and other issues.
Road Renamed to 'Potholesville' and 'Wheel Wrecker Way'
The mysterious activist has altered the street signs to read "Potholesville" and "Wheel Wrecker Way," highlighting the frustration of locals who must navigate a road pitted with deep craters. Residents report that the stretch contains up to 60 potholes, some measuring as deep as eight inches and as wide as 12 inches, creating a hazardous driving environment.
Local Outrage and Repeated Car Damage
Scores of drivers have faced repeated tyre replacements after using Old Bridge Way, with one resident, Sarah Cooper, noting that a friend had to get a new tyre shortly after driving down the road. Cooper explained, "I drive down there fairly often and I have a mental map in my head of where all the potholes are. But if someone comes along who's unfamiliar or on a motorcycle, they could get really badly injured. It's dangerous."
Dave Price, who operates the Gour Blimey burger van on the road, described the conditions as "horrendous," comparing it to a road in Gaza. He said, "You have to do a figure of eight to get down that road. The road goes down to Morrisons and people are umming and ahing about whether to use it now." Price added that the signs have remained up for over a year, with no one knowing the identity of the person behind them.
Council Refuses Repairs, Citing Jurisdiction Issues
Central Bedfordshire Council has stated that it cannot repair the road because it is not an adopted public highway and therefore does not fall under its management or jurisdiction. Cllr John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said, "We recognise ongoing concerns about the condition of the remaining sections of Old Bridge Way. However, this portion of the road is not an adopted public highway so does not fall under our management or jurisdiction."
The council has completed maintenance on the sections it owns and has formally raised the matter with local MP Alistair Strathern, awaiting the outcome of his enquiries within Westminster.
MP and Residents Join Protest
Labour MP for Hitchin, Alistair Strathern, joined angry residents in a demonstration on the road last August, where protesters brandished placards with slogans such as "99 problems and they are all potholes" and references to the "Bedrock Grand Canyon." This collective action underscores the growing community frustration over the lack of repairs.
Residents like Cooper have noted that the road has worsened over the years, with only temporary fillings done by unknown parties. She said, "Unless the whole surface is dug up, it's just not going to work." The mysterious sign-changer, now nicknamed the "Banksy of Shefford," continues to draw attention to the issue, with Cooper adding, "The signs are true to life."
The situation highlights broader concerns about road maintenance and public safety, as locals fear that without intervention, accidents could occur, particularly for vulnerable road users like school children and motorcyclists. The protest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced when infrastructure falls into disrepair and jurisdictional gaps prevent timely fixes.
