New pump on the cards for subway flooded for years

A town centre underpass which has been out of action for more than five years because of flooding could finally reopen soon.

The subway under St Mary's Way in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, which sits in a valley, will be fitted with a pump in a bid to keep water out.

It has been cleaned out since it was first flooded, but water and rubbish returned and became stagnant during the summer.

Alan Bacon, a Liberal Democrat member of Chesham Town Council, said a plan had now been drawn up by Buckinghamshire Council for a permanent fix.

While the underpass has been closed, some pedestrians have been crossing the busy dual carriageway where there is no crossing point.

"It's only since May when we had new Buckinghamshire councillors that there's been any force behind getting the problem solved," said Bacon, who added that one suggestion had been to fill in the subway.

"The estimate was that it would cost between £600,000 and £800,000 to fill it with foamed concrete, [but] it's a very dangerous road so it's not the best idea to close the subway."

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's Conservative deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said the authority expected the new drainage system to be operational by early spring.

"We completely understand how frustrating this has been for residents and those who regularly use the underpass," he said.

"The work is taking time because the solution involves installing a new pump system and making structural improvements to ensure the problem doesn't return.

"While the work is ongoing, alternative pedestrian routes remain available, although they may be slightly less direct."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.