Playmobil figure highlights pothole problems in Sevenoaks

A 24 inch tall Playmobil figure, has become an unlikely local hero after helping the residents of Sevenoaks tackle damaged roads.

Pothole Pete, as he’s been fondly named, was initially enrolled by the Sevenoaks Chronicle to highlight potholes in their area after the bad weather at the start of the year. Local residents were encouraged to email Pete sightings of craters in the roads for the pintsized pothole patroller to attend to. His successful campaign lead to swift repairs of troubled hotspots and Kent County Council increasing the number of teams dedicated to road repairs.

Since then Pete’s popularity has soared beyond imagination. Within weeks the miniature action man has gone from trusty do-gooder to local hero. He’s been invited to meet and greet children at a local nursery, tweeted and posted messages to fans on facebook, and is rumoured to be the guest of honour at the opening of a local supermarket later this year – a far cry from his usual role as part of the Playmobil construction range.

Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager of Playmobil comments, “We are thrilled to see Pothole Pete has captured the imagination of so many. It’s the first time any of our characters has achieved such iconic status. With his popularity growing day by day, who knows where he will end up next.”

To show their appreciation, some residents have even nominated Pothole Pete in the annual Sevenoaks Local Legends Award where he’s been pitted against war veterans, charity works and prominent Business people.

Roger Kasper, Editor, Sevenoaks Chronicle, said: “The idea came about when the newspaper’s photographer was trying to find an interesting way of reporting the growing number of potholes on our roads. Not for one second did we envisage our light hearted campaign would get such an overwhelming response. It’s great to see the community get together in support of Pet. His celebrity status is getting to the point where it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s stopped in the street for autographs soon.”

Pete has been such a success that councils as far away as Ceredigion County Council in Wales are looking into creating their own crater crusaders. With road safety constantly on the agenda for councils nationwide, it may not be long until you bump into your local Pothole Pete!