A Newcastle resident's vehicle sustained damage after striking a large pothole on Bann Road. Anthony Tilley reported that the pothole, described as a 'crater', destroyed his car's wheel. He contacted the Mourne Observer to express frustration over the lack of repairs despite road tax payments and noted that others had also hit the defect.

Tilley photographed the pothole and is pursuing a compensation claim. He has informed the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and questioned why the defect was not marked or repaired. The Mourne Observer sought comment from DfI.

A DfI spokesperson attributed the issue to harsh winter weather, which has affected many roads. Minister Kimmins has allocated £7.85 million from the Winter Recovery Road Fund for urgent repairs on high-priority surface defects. The department recorded 50,000 defects in the last three months, nearly half the total from the previous year.

DfI confirmed that Bann Road was inspected earlier this week, with qualifying defects identified and prioritised under the current limited-service policy. Regular inspections continue, and the public can report potholes via www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/report-pothole-or-other-surface-defect.