Flooded subway must be tackled (From Worcester News)

Flooded subway must be tackled

1:00pm Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

CALLS are being made to solve flooding problems which have continued to blight a subway in Worcester.

This underpass in Tybridge Street, St John’s, has been hit by flooding problems regularly for the last few years.

The problem has got so bad plastic barriers, which were placed at both entrances two weeks ago while it was temporarily shut, were spotted floating in the water before it dried up.

Although the latest flooding problems during September subsided last week, community leaders say highways bosses need to fix the problem once and for all or consider closing it for good.

Councillor Richard Udall, who represents the area, said: “It’s been a consistent problem for a while now.

“The subway has always been a difficult place, people hate using it, it’s cold, damp and vandalised.

“Residents in the nearby high rise flats have been concerned about the misuse of the subway but it has now become dangerous and a health risk.

“When it floods, the water makes it impossible to use safely.

“It is the final straw – legitimate users can no longer use the subway and it’s becoming a dumping ground.”

One year ago Worcestershire County Council agreed to fund a pedestrian crossing in Tybridge Street after residents said they no longer wanted to use the subway.

Highways chiefs at the council say they have been experiencing problems with a drainage pump which is meant to tackle the excess water.

The subway was re-opened last week, and officers are now exploring options for the route’s future. Last Monday the issue was raised during a meeting of the county’s Highways Forum, and staff are currently examining what to do.

John Fraser, the county council’s customer and community manager, said: “A drainage pump which normally takes away the excess water in Tybridge subway has broken and needs to be repaired.

“As a safety precaution, the highways team had closed off the subway and put up signs.”