THE number of claims made for pothole damage on an unofficial diversion has jumped by six times since the A449 closure came into force in Malvern.
12 claims have been made to Herefordshire Council from September 8, 2025, when the closure was put in place near British Camp, to March 31 for damage caused by potholes on Jubilee Drive.
During that same time period, the council paid out £84 for these claims.
In the previous like period, only two claims were made and no money was paid out, and in the period before that, no claims were made.
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The figures were obtained by the Malvern Gazette via a Freedom of Information request.
Worcestershire County Council’s official diversion for the A449 closure directs drivers via the A4104 towards Welland, the B4208 and the A438 through Hollybush but locals have reported that many drivers are instead diverting via Jubilee Drive.
The seven-month closure, which has now been extended due to a landslip, is therefore said to be causing a deteriorating in the road surface.
Giles Goodhew, landlord of The Wellington Inn on the A449 between Malvern and Ledbury, has previously said Jubilee Drive is “atrocious” and called on Herefordshire Council to take action.
“Everybody is coming through Colwall and Jubilee Drive. The road surface on Jubilee Drive, which is atrocious, is putting people off,” he said.
“The council needs to sort that out.”
In February, Edward Lester told the Malvern Gazette that a pothole on Jubilee Drive had caused his car to shake so “violently” that it aggravated his wife’s back injury.
Herefordshire Council previously said it was considering including the road in its resurfacing programme from April onwards but not before the A449 had reopened.
A new re-opening date has still not been set, with the original date having been set for April 24.
Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said: “The council is aware that the closure of the A449 Wells Road between Little Malvern and British Camp for major retaining wall repairs has led to changes in traffic patterns in the surrounding area, including increased use of some local routes.
“It should be noted that increased traffic volumes can place additional pressure on the road network, particularly over prolonged periods and during periods of poor weather.
“However, potholes and carriageway deterioration can be influenced by a range of factors, including weather conditions, drainage, road construction and general wear over time.
“We would encourage motorists and residents to continue reporting potholes or changes in road condition to the council so that issues can be inspected and addressed as appropriate.”
“Jubilee Drive is included within this year’s resurfacing programme, which will help improve the overall condition of the road and reduce the likelihood of future defects developing.”