A long-term pothole issue in a tiny UK village has been resolved as if by magic. Residents have been complaining about the issue for a while but they have now been repaired thanks to a new Harry Potter TV series being filmed in the village.
Lustleigh, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, has been blighted by poor roads for years, with a dedicated volunteer group set up in a bid to fix the potholes. However, the arrival of the film crew has finally helped them and the holes have been filled in. While the locals have welcomed the much-needed repairs, they have questioned why it took the arrival of a film crew to sort the issue.
As reported by The Telegraph, the Lustleigh parish clerk said in a post on Facebook: “Good news! The filming company have been given permission by (Devon county council) Highways to proceed with repairs on Wreyland Path, using an approved contractor.
“The contractor will fill all large potholes manually and will then assess if further work needs to be carried out. The path will NOT be shut so can be used as normal.”
One local asked if the repair work could be extended. They said: “Would it be possible for the Parish Council ask the film company, as a good token gesture, to do all the other roads in the parish, that will be inconvenienced, due to any diversion?”
Meanwhile, Andrew Pike, a resident, said: “That’s brilliant news, can fix potholes for filming but not for everyday use. Just proves Devon Highways doesn’t wanna spend any money.”
Donna Tandy, another villager, added: “Harry Potter and the potholes… good new book heading.”
A fourth local said: “Let’s make use of the magic and make Lustleigh a proper village once again by living up to its conservation area status and removing the blight that has befallen this great place.”
Lustleigh Parish Council actively promotes the reporting of potholes in the village and said a “very small, friendly (and aging!) volunteer group” was doing its “best to redress some of the village potholes where we can.” The group added: “However, we cannot do this alone and we need as many able-bodied helpers as possible for any job.
“This doesn’t mean volunteers have to turn out for all sessions, but certainly to be willing to help at least with those potholes in their own area. Feel free to report these at any time, but please also be aware that without more volunteers this amenity will fail.”
Lustleigh is being used for filming of the new HBO Harry Potter series which will air in 2027. Other locations have also been used across the Devon and Cornwall area.
Dominic McLaughlin, who has been pictured as the new Harry Potter, leads a cast that includes Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Meanwhile, Nick Frost, known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, takes on the role of Hagrid.
Devon County Council has been approached for comment.