Let's talk about potholes. Many readers will be if they are involved in local politics, as we run up to 22 May.

Across Britain, one of the ‘hysteresis' effects of austerity is becoming clear. Our roads are even worse than usual.

Overall dissatisfaction with road maintenance is now at only 30% and in some counties like Buckinghamshire it has eclipsed even our old favourite – young people hanging around – as the key issue for voters.