Work underway to repair flooded Ross-on-Wye road
It's been described as a 'beach', with some local business also impacted
Attempts are under way to fix a busy road in a Herefordshire town left impassable by stormwater damage at the weekend.
Flash flooding from a thunderstorm yesterday (Sunday May 12) loosened paving setts on Broad Street, Ross-on-Wye, and also damaged the tarmac road surface when water welled up from underneath.
The stormwater also damaged businesses in Brookend Street which continues northwards from Broad Street.
Local ward councillor Ed O’Driscoll said that as of late morning on Monday May 13, “contractors are doing an inspection at the moment, to ascertain the cause of the issues” as well as clearing away damage and resurfacing damaged spots.
“It looks like the sand and hardcore underneath the block paving has been washed away, leaving it unsafe, and forming a beach at the bottom of Broad Street,” he said.
He added he was concerns to know what has let the water in under the street, which had be left “looking like a patchwork quilt” after recent roadworks.
“I am seeking answers to keep people informed, and assurances that the road will be safe once 18-tonne wagons start coming down there again, as well as over the paving,” he said.
John, owner of Cheeky Tito’s takeaway restaurant which only opened on Broad Street in January, said: “We can’t even get inside the shop and have had no information yet on when we can.
“They are doing an inspection and we hope to hear later today what will happen next.”
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson told us: “Following recent weather conditions, there has been significant damage sustained to Broad Street in Ross on Wye. For safety reasons, we have instated a full road and footway closure on one side, which is affecting approximately 15 premises, and we are looking to establish temporary footway access to the affected properties.
“Our teams are currently working to understand the cause of the issue and teams are on standby to carry out the necessary works as soon as is safe and possible.”
"We are aware that a number of businesses have experienced internal flooding, and we will be offering support to those affected"