Call for action over flooded pavements in Honiton
Water once rushing down Kings Road has frozen in the cold - meaning the pathway is even more hazarous. - Credit: Archant
Residents of a Honiton road blighted by ‘rivers’ of rainwater have demanded action be taken after enduring more than four years of ‘frustration and worry’.
Neighbours Steve Dommett and Lyn Hargood, of Kings Road, say torrents of ankle-deep water gushes down the pavement directly outside their houses when it rains.
They say the situation has got so dire, they are forced to stay in their homes in wet weather to make sure their drives and properties don’t flood.
Steve, 62, a retired funeral director, says he has had to spend hundreds on flood-tackling measures – including installing a new drain and buying sandbags.
He said: “The situation is very worrying. We have had to spend money and I think other homeowners have had to install some kind of hump to stop the water coming in.
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“It has been going on for four years now. The water starts to pour down the pavement from opposite the Copper Castle.
“The force of the water has even pushed up a large manhole cover as it comes down and that water is going directly on to the path – it’s impassable at times.
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“We suspect residents in Hale Lane are facing the same problem, as it turns around the junction into the road.”
His neighbour Lyn said: “The worst thing is you worry about being away in case your property is flooded while you’re gone.
“We need one of the authorities to take this problem seriously, find out what is wrong, and do something about it. This is making people’s lives hell.”
Mrs Hargood says the cascading water causes damage to the pavement and brings up silt and mud which blocks drains outside of her and Mr Dommett’s homes.
“The whole drainage system needs to be replaced,” she added. “It is not fit for purpose.
Highways England spokesperson Emma Bazeley said: “We are aware of the flooding issues affecting the residents of the A35 Kings Road, Honiton, and we are currently looking at a solution to mitigate the flooding issues, and any associated problems with the road surface and pavement.
“We do sympathise with the residents, we are studying a number of options, and this will be communicated as soon as a suitable solution has been identified.”