A SHOPPER has called for action to stop an underpass in Colchester town centre from flooding.

Bridget Parrick of Mersea Road, Colchester, uses the St Botolph’s underpass to get into town with her granddaughter.

She reported the flooding to Essex County Council at least four times over seven weeks it was impassable, but nothing was done.

When it was finally cleared, engineers reported the drain was blocked with litter.

Mrs Parrick, 66, said: “Last time I took my shoes off and rolled my trousers up and paddled through.

“It is not good enough. I can’t say for certain when it started but it was seven weeks ago when we had heavy rain fall and then we had more rain.

“I have noticed it because I have been taking my granddaughter into town and using the pushchair.

“When you come from town there is no warning. You have to go down two slopes and go round a corner to find out it is flooded.”

Mrs Parrick said the alternative route means crossing multiple roads, some without pedestrian crossings.

She said: “If you have a pushchair you can’t get through and you have to go back up the two slopes, cross at St Botolph’s, cross at the car park, walk past the courts and cross two lanes and then cross Military Road where there is no pedestrian crossing.

“What is the point in having a pedestrian footpath if you can’t use it. If it was on the road it would have been sorted out straight away.”

An spokesman for Essex Highways, part of Essex County Council, said: “Our engineers used special high-powered jetting equipment to clear the blocked drains in St Botolph’s underpass last week. We expect flooding not to be an issue in future as any rainwater will now flow unhindered into a metre wide storm drain.

“The drains were blocked with litter, including a large number of bottles and drinks cans.”

Anyone who notices flooding which could be caused by blocked surface drains can report the problem at essexhigh ways.orgor by calling 0845 603 7631.