Angry Protesters Block Road Over Neglected Potholes

On August 22nd, 2025, a group of 75 protesters took action to address the ongoing issue of potholes on a section of Old Bridge Way in Shefford, Bedfordshire. The protesters blocked the road for an hour, although motorists were still able to access a nearby supermarket and other businesses.

Shefford's mayor, Nicola King, acknowledged the severity of the problem, describing the potholes as "huge and causing problems with cars." She also expressed concern for the safety of young people crossing the road, stating there was potential for them to "fall into the potholes."

Despite the council's efforts to maintain the section of Old Bridge Way under their ownership, the protesters argued that the road's ownership was unclear, leaving the potholes unaddressed. Independent councillor John Baker from Central Bedfordshire Council confirmed that the council had completed maintenance work on their portion of the road last October, but the problematic section remained unresolved.

The protesters' blockade aimed to draw attention to the hazardous road conditions and pressure the local authorities to take immediate action to fix the potholes and ensure the safety of all road users.