So, whilst the road maintenance contractors strive to do the sensible thing (a three year cycle of monitoring and mending), Herefordshire Council pulls a bizarre policy out of the hat by way of excuse, involving inexpicable timescales such as 25 years, 55 years and, yes, 238 years. Where did that last figure come from? Was it a lucky number for some erstwhile councillor?

OK, if the records only go back 6 years, I'm claiming that my road is (a) unclassiified, and (b) hasn't been resurfaced since 1772. I expect Amey round within the year. Some rather distressing humps have appeared in the road over the last decade - perhaps they could be removed and used to fill the potholes. Ooh, I'm sure the Council would suddenly find some records older than 6 years if I tried this little scam.

Council Press Officers; don't you just love it when they freeze in the light?