DISGRUNTLED residents ironically threw a first birthday party for a pothole which has remained unrepaired for a year.

A large pothole formed in Great Berry Lane, Langdon Hills, last year, and despite it being reported to Essex County Council on numerous occasions, residents say nothing has been done.

And to mark the occasion, residents placed a cake, complete with candle, and a birthday card on the pothole for the day.

Residents admitted it was quite a light-hearted bit of fun, but also highlights the ongoing issue with potholes across Basildon, as well as the whole of Essex.

Paul Gibson, 57, of Great Berry Lane, said he wasn’t sure who placed the card and cake on the pothole. He said: “It is a bit of a mystery really, but the pothole is directly outside my house.

“I spotted something on the pothole, thought what on earth is that, went outside and there was a card and cake sitting there, how funny is that? “The reaction has been amazing online, everybody has been commented saying ‘why wasn’t my pothole invited’”.

“It could have been one hell of a party.

“The issue is tremendous in Basildon, we have so many potholes in Basildon, and some of them are huge.

“It is concerning. I thought the idea of celebrating its birthday was absolutely brilliant, and it highlights the issue in a bit of a quirky, fun way, rather than just constantly moaning.”

Essex County Council did not respond to the Echo’s requests for comment at the time of going to press.