Northamptonshire campaigner prepares for legal battle over potholes
Mark Morrell aka Mr Pothole has written to West Northants Council over the state of Halse Road, near Brackley.
Last updated 26th Jun 2025
A Northamptonshire pothole campaigner has taken the first step in possible legal action over the state of our roads.
One of the authorities Mark Morrell - aka Mr Pothole - has written to is West Northamptonshire Council. Specifically Mark has written to the CEO about the state of Halse Road in Brackley.
It's one of a few area's Mark says he's written to local authorities about, after a Freedom Of Information request about the state of the roads.
Mark says it's the first stage in a legal bid. He says he's willing to take them to court:
"If they fail to act or respond to my satisfaction within 28 days, then I will issue a Stage 1 Section 56 notice under the Highways Act, which basically says that I believe it's a public maintainable road and it's out of repair and what are they going to do about it?
"If they fail to follow that through in terms of my satisfaction, then I can issue a Stage 2 at the Magistrates Court."
Mark has also written to the CEO of National Highways for a badly damaged section of the A43 at Brackley and Oxfordshire County Council over the state of roads there.
Mark says not enough it being done about our roads:
"Government and authorities just pay lip service. It's time for action.
"And I'm helping a number of people across the country with the process of potentially issuing legal notices."
Mr Pothole launched the first National Roar Day this month. The aim is for more people to realise the powers they have to do what Mark has been doing in taking legal action on failing Highways Authorities.
The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says the Government are prioritising fixing potholes on rural roads.