Drains to be cleared at flooding hotspot

Gobowen Road in Oswestry, Shropshire, is a flooding hotspot

Blocked drains which regularly cause homes to flood are to be cleared out.

There has been a long-running dispute over who owns responsibility for maintaining a culvert which runs under Gobowen Road, in Oswestry, Shropshire. Flooding in the area often leaves water backing up into homes in nearby Jasmine Gardens.

The road was most recently affected following Thursday's heavy rain.

Shropshire Council's highways team are to jet and clear out the section of the culvert under the public highway. Land drainage experts will arrange to inspect other sections further upstream.

Shropshire Council will also speak to the Cambrian Railways Trust (CRT) in an attempt to finally resolve the issue.

There have been disputed about who has responsibility for the culvert

The council said the land with the culvert is owned by the CRT, while the CRT says only a small part of the route runs through its property and responsibility for upgrading the drainage infrastructure lies with the council and Environment Agency.

Dan Morris, the council's highways portfolio holder, said it was "essential" the culvert was properly maintained along its length.

"The council's Land Drainage Team will also be making arrangements to meet the Cambrian Rail Trust to visually inspect the culvert where it runs under the rail line," he said at a cabinet meeting last week.

"Should any defects or restrictions to flow be identified during this visit, the council will request that the Cambrian Rail Trust undertake the required works as soon as possible,” he added.