Urgent – Severe potholes across full road width causing vehicle damage and pedestrian hazard (Sheep Street / Drapery / Bus Station area)

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