A COUNCILLOR has escaped a gunging after his pothole claims landed him in hot water.

On Thursday morning BBC Wiltshire presenter Grahame Mack took councillor Keith Williams out to test his view that Swindon had removed all winter potholes from its roads.

In response to Coun Williams claims, Grahame Mack challenged him to drive down a road in Swindon with a bowl of custard on his lap.

Lynne Townsend, from Redcliffe Street, Rodbourne, rang up the station claiming her road was pretty bad for potholes and that Coun Williams should drive down there.

Grahame Mack drove down the road with Coun Williams and a bowl of custard which had a 21mm gap between the custard and the rim of the bowl, which is the same gap as a hole in the road needs to be to be classed as a winter pothole.

Despite Grahame Mack’s best efforts to hit all the potholes and even an emergency stop at the end no custard left the bowl.

Coun Williams said: “People were saying it was the worst road in Swindon and we recognise that fact and the road is on our list for work.

“I think this showed that you can drive along the road at a reasonable speed even with Grahame’s attempt of an emergency stop at the end the custard stayed in the bowl.”

The council has repaired more than 7,000 potholes in Swindon this year with a budget of £50,000. They have also identified 14 sites where a greater surface of the road needs repairing but this will cost the council £204,000. Some councillors are still concerned about the claims that all potholes have been filled in Swindon.

Fay Howard, ward councillor for Parks, said: “I think to say the problem is solved is a bit concerning.

“If you went round Parks you would definitely find some, for example down Kingswood Avenue. There are definitely a few.”

Coun Williams said: “People’s definitions of a pothole do vary. A pothole is 21mm in depth. We need people to report them if they have concerns.”

Lyn, 67, who has lived in Redcliffe Street for 42 years, said: “I was a bit disappointed.

“I would have liked a spot of custard to go on him but it didn’t.

“Perhaps it could have done with being a bit more watery and then it would have spilled out. Fair dos to him, he was a good sport in coming down but you shouldn’t have to do this to get your roads decent.

But she added: “He did turn around and say this road is due for resurfacing. I said I wouldn’t hold my breath and I would see it when it happens.”