Residents complain over 'disgusting' Peterborough underpass

Residents have described the underpass between Chaucer Road and Itter park in Peterborough as "disgusting"

Residents said they felt "unsafe" using a busy underpass due to anti-social behaviour.

Residents said they were "fed-up" with drug taking, flooding and litter in the underpass between Chaucer Road and Itter Park in Peterborough.

It also connects to schools in the area, including Fullbridge Academy, and is often used by families.

North ward Labour councillors responsible for part of the area told the BBC, "improvements are under way".

Selina Kaur Sohi walks her dog everyday through the underpass but finds it "intimidating".

"You can't get around without getting your feet wet," she said. "We regularly find empty alcohol bottles, lots of rubbish and dog poo.

"It's an ongoing issue and it makes the community very angry."

Residents also raised concerns of missing railings on the underpass.

'It's disgusting'

One mother-of-two from the area, who wished to remain anonymous, said she regularly used the underpass with her children, including one in a pushchair.

She described it as "disgusting".

"We walk down there to get to Itter Park," she said. "I have often seen groups of people taking drugs.

"I've felt very uncomfortable when I've walked past them."

Litter, dog mess and empty alcohol bottles are regularly found on the underpass

North Ward Labour councillor Mohammed Haseeb said a Peterborough City Council team had recently cleared a small amount of debris that was blocking the drain.

Drainage upgrades were also being looked into.

Mr Haseeb said: "Unfortunately, a significant number of railings in the underpass have been stolen but we are obtaining pricing for their replacement.

"We understand the residents' frustration, but their concerns are not falling on deaf ears and we are fully committed to helping them."

A council spokesperson said: "This issue will be raised at the next Safer Peterborough Partnership problem solving meeting to allow for a multi-agency response."

Mr Haseeb said he had reported issues to Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which has been asked to comment.

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