Sir Rod Stewart never ceases to find new endeavors to occupy his time. Renowned for his captivating presence in his vibrant multicolored coats and his signature feathered haircut, the legendary singer-songwriter recently made a distinctive appearance. In an Instagram video, he was seen sporting something unexpected—a fluorescent vest adorned with reflective strips reminiscent of a public works employee.
Within the video, the 77-year-old artist could be observed clutching a shovel firmly in hand. Accompanying him were cones, signs, and, most notably, a truck brimming with gravel. His mission, however, wasn’t centered around creating another chart-topping hit but rather on filling the potholes that plagued the rural road in his neighborhood. Sir Rod shared a series of videos showcasing the deteriorated state of the public works in his Harlow area.
The road was riddled with potholes, each filled with water, rendering the surface perpetually wet and muddy. He empathetically recounted his own and others’ unpleasant experiences while driving on this road. He vividly described his inability to navigate the treacherously uneven terrain in his Ferrari and the unfortunate car damage suffered by many fellow motorists. At one instance, he even witnessed an ambulance blow out a tire, likely due to the hazardous potholes. “I’m repairing the street where I live because nobody has bothered to do it,” he emphasized in the video, highlighting the car accidents people endured.
The internet’s response was varied. News coverage from 5 News featured individuals expressing their concerns about the road’s dire condition and the urgent need for repairs. While some acknowledged that Sir Rod should not have taken matters into his own hands, most agreed that his actions spurred immediate attention from local authorities. Residents and frequent road users revealed that the road had been in such a state for years, causing hardship with each journey.
The local council was displeased with Sir Rod’s actions. The Essex County Council issued a warning against individuals taking matters into their own hands, particularly with public works. They stressed that repairs should be entrusted to professionals to ensure the road’s compliance with safety standards.
Undeniably, the council’s standpoint holds merit. However, it also aligns with Sir Rod’s and other volunteers’ intentions. They seek to highlight that this responsibility falls under someone’s purview, yet it remains neglected and unaddressed.
“According to Lee Scott, an official speaking to the BBC, it is crucial for people to promptly report any potholes to the council, as they are committed to addressing any hazardous situations. Additionally, they expressed their willingness to meet with Sir Rod Stewart to discuss the issue at hand.
However, in the interim, residents are bearing the financial burden. Dominic Zarian, a resident, revealed that he had to spend approximately $150 on car repairs following an accident caused by a sizable crack on the road that he was unable to avoid. He reported the incident to the authorities, but unfortunately, no action was taken for several weeks. The Essex County Council clarified that all reports were evaluated, but the repair timeline depends on the specific road where the potholes are located.
As for Sir Rod’s actions, opinions may vary.
