Brummies are questioning whether the system is 'broken' after large potholes in the Jewellery Quarter were repaired 'overnight' just hours before Aston Villa's Europa League victory parade, despite being reported for months.
What Happened?
The 'craters' on Frederick Street were filled with fresh tarmac just before thousands of Villa fans gathered to celebrate the club's historic European triumph. Video footage showed the newly laid tarmac ahead of the team bus parade.
Residents' Complaints
Local residents said they had been reporting the potholes to Birmingham City Council for at least six months. One claimed the damage was so severe it caused a wheel on their car to be damaged.
Public Reaction
The repairs sparked frustration online, with many accusing the council of acting only when the roads would be seen by thousands of fans and TV cameras. The clip reignited anger over the state of the city's roads, with drivers repeatedly raising concerns about potholes damaging vehicles and creating safety hazards.
Council Response
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: 'We assess all highway network defects using a defined risk matrix to ensure a consistent and proportionate response to repairs. Where significant events or activities are expected to increase pedestrian footfall or road usage, we take a proactive approach by reassessing conditions and, where necessary, accelerating repairs.'
The council added: 'Like many highway authorities, we have experienced a significant increase in both reactive repairs and planned maintenance activity across the network since the start of 2026. Our teams are working at pace to prioritise and address defects based on safety risk and network condition, alongside an extensive programme of ongoing works scheduled across Birmingham.'
What's Next?
Residents continue to call for a more transparent and timely repair system, questioning why major events seem to prompt action while everyday complaints go unanswered for months.
