Residents in Bridgend are facing challenges due to a flooded underpass in their community. The underpass, located near Heol Brynglas in Brackla, has become completely flooded in recent weeks and is filled with rubble such as torn-down fencing, bricks, and old chairs. The local authority has stated that it is not responsible for the land, as it is not part of the adopted highway network. However, residents, including schoolchildren walking to local schools and elderly residents without cars, are finding it difficult to navigate the area.
Lisa Lewis, a resident of Meadow Rise in Brackla, expressed concerns about the underpass, especially for her sons who walk to Brynteg Comprehensive. She highlighted the challenges faced by pedestrians due to the flooded and debris-filled tunnel. Janet Stott, another resident, shared her fears about the high water levels in the underpass, particularly when using a mobility scooter. The blocked drain in the underpass exacerbates the flooding issue, impacting residents, including those with pushchairs and schoolchildren.
Sarah Crocombe, who uses the underpass daily to take her children to school and commute to work, highlighted the significant impact of the flooding on the community. She mentioned the additional time taken for alternative routes and the inconvenience caused by the blocked drain. Despite some residents attempting to clean up the underpass themselves, the ongoing issues persist, affecting a large number of people in the area.
A spokesperson for Bridgend council explained that the underpass is on private land and does not form part of the adopted highway network or the safe routes network for children. The responsibility for maintaining the underpass lies with the private landowner, and the council does not own the land where the underpass is located. Efforts to determine the owner of the underpass land by the Local Democracy Reporting Service have been unsuccessful so far.
Residents are calling for action to address the flooding and debris accumulation in the underpass to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. The community’s concerns highlight the need for cooperation between residents, local authorities, and landowners to resolve the issues surrounding the flooded underpass in Bridgend.