By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A Gedling resident who immortalised the area’s pothole problem in a calendar says he’s been surprised at how many people have come forward asking to buy one – including one order from as far away as Dorset.
Instead of footballers or scenic landscapes, the ‘Gedling Borough Pothole Calendar 2024’ celebrates 12 of the worst potholes from across the borough’s roads.
The stars have been given tongue-in-cheek names such as ‘Big Foot’, ‘Moon Crater’, ‘Paddling Pool’.
Local man Brian Bailey put together the unusual calendar using pictures submitted to the ‘Gedling Borough Potholes’ Facebook page.
He says the idea starts as a joke, but demand for the calendars highlights residents’ frustrations with the roads.
“I produce a charity calendar for Calverton Golf Club each year, and I joked on the Facebook group that I could do one for our potholes. It took off from there,” he said.
“They’re selling like hotcakes. There were more than enough pictures of potholes.
“The fact there’s 1,600 members in the group shows people aren’t happy with the roads in Gedling. They’re in really terrible state.
“So many people have had punctures or damaged suspension, and it’s difficult to get compensation.
“The roads are ridiculous. It’s a problem all over the borough. Every day there’s a new post going up on the page with a new pothole.
“I know we’ve had a bad winter with lots of rain, but perhaps that shows there wasn’t enough preventative maintenance beforehand.
“I’m surprised the calendar’s done so well – I suppose it’s like those of roundabouts or public toilets that people enjoy ironically.
“I’ve printed 30 out so far, and have lots more orders. There was even one from Dorset, so we’re not quite worldwide but aren’t doing badly!
“I’ve heard that some councillors are privately enjoying the calendar, but I haven’t heard anything publicly. Maybe we’ll send some to the council and MP?”
The calendars are priced at £7, with proceeds going towards Maggie’s, a cancer support charity.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire County Council, which is responsible for maintaining the roads, said “Where residents notice potholes, we ask that they continue to report them to us either through our website or the My Notts App.”
One four-foot-long pothole was recently spotted in Westwood, Ashfield district, which is believed to have been created by the heavy rain during Storm Henk.
