A number of Marlow’s best-known potholes could soon be formally recognised as local heritage assets, under new plans which will also see them linked together as part of a self-guided visitor trail around the town.
A spokesperson for The Marlow Pothole Trail said the idea was to encourage people to see the potholes “in a different light”, given that the sheer number of them means they are now “part of the shared experience of living in Marlow.”
The trail would guide residents and visitors to a number of significant potholes across Marlow, selected for their visual and cultural value. Each will be marked on a map, and accompanied by QR codes linking to background information, photographs and updates on each pothole’s condition.
The trail would offer a different way to explore the town, taking in locations beyond the usual riverside and High Street hotspots. For example, there is a superb collection of potholes along Spring Gardens, and the scheme is intended to put lesser-known areas like this on the tourist map.
Protected status for selected potholes
The most prominent examples could also be nominated for special recognition as Heritage Assets.
One source close to the project said certain potholes had become so well known that they were now being used informally as landmarks when giving directions.
Rather than being filled in, selected potholes would instead be sympathetically preserved, with discreet plaques placed alongside, and included in a register documenting them for future generations. Local businesses would be invited to sponsor a pothole.
Lobster
Cllr Mavis Girteka of Wycombe District Council told MyMarlow “You might think that actually fixing potholes would be a high priority task, but to be honest, we spent all the funds on lobster and Champagne for council meetings. Proper Champagne, not Prosecco of course”.
“So this trail thing is a nice cheap way to get out of that problem. Actually, sorry…..erm….. that’s the wine talking, can you not print that?”
She then went on to say “Hang on, what’s that? Are you recording this conversation? Can you stop, and delete it? Give me that thing!! I said give me your bloody phone, you goddamn son-of a-“
