CONCERNS have been raised over the state of a well used Colchester underpass after flooding issues left it in a state of disrepair.
The Salary Brook underpass, underneath Clingoe Hill, Colchester, was left out of action earlier this year after rising water from the Colne completely submerged the frequently used path.
Around the same time, damage also appeared to be caused to railings on the site.
The key route connects the Greenstead area to the city centre, as well as providing students and other residents with a safe way to access Essex University.
However, despite the issues, the area has been left in a state of disrepair, with desperate calls being made to get the site up to scratch once again.
There have been previous reports of people who haven’t been able to get through the broken-down railings, which are causing an obstruction.
Will Bramhill from Colchester Cycling Campaign said: "This affects pedestrians as well as cyclists and the Salary Brook route should not have been left in this disgusting state for so long.
“The route under the bridge is still well used. There are road crossings nearby but they take you substantially out of your way, especially if you are on foot, so I can understand people still using this path.
“The path itself is covered with silt and debris and the safety fencing is mangled from where a car hit it. It is also wildly overgrown. It’s not exactly safe or attractive."
Greenstead councillor Tim Young said the whole underpass needs sorting “as soon as possible.”
“It’s been reported to me and I have passed it on”, he said.
“There was an accident down there previously which damaged the railings, and there is obviously the flooding issue too.
“It is where the mud builds up which causes the issues so we would need the environment agency to look at that.”
Mr Young also stressed the importance of the route in the community.
He said: “We need it cleared and sorted because it is a route from Greenstead to the university.
“Lots of students live in Greenstead and they along with others use it as a through route.
“I am hoping now we have brought it to the attention of the correct people it can be sorted and sorted soon.”
Highways bosses have said they are set to investigate the cause of the flooding in an attempt to solve the issue.
A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “We believe the flooding at this underpass location is a result of high-water levels in Salary Brook rather than a highway drainage issue.
“However, we will send a member of our team out to investigate this.”
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