Filthy and flooded underpass a threat to our health, say residents
DISGUSTED neighbours say a disused underpass in Bristol has become a “health hazard” full of stinking waste and stagnant water.
The abandoned subway in Bedminster used to provide passage beneath the A38 Dalby Avenue, but has been blocked off for years and deteriorated into an eyesore.
A resident reported the “disgraceful” subway to Bristol City Council in July, but images taken by the Post this week show that it is still in a poor state.
The original complaint, posted anonymously on the FixMyStreet problem-reporting site, stated: “This underpass has been closed and filled with standing water, fly-tipped rubbish and general litter for years now. This all adds to the impression that the area is generally uncared about by the council and the developers who are permitted to operate here.
“If this had been the case for a few weeks it could be understandable, but this has been several years.”
The anonymous resident has chased the council several times since, according to the public exchange on the site.
An update in September read: “There is a very strong odour of raw sewage emanating from this flooded subway it is undoubtedly a health hazard and something should be done immediately to clear the blockage and investigate the cause of the smell.
“Sewage could be leaking from the new apartments adjacent to the flooded subway.
“It is really a disgrace that it has been left in this condition for so many years.”
The council responded on September 10 saying the underpass, which is next to the bus stop by Bedminster Car Park, was “under investigation”.
Last week, the frustrated resident wrote: “Now smells much worse!
“I’ve had emails from the council saying it is being ‘reviewed’ and that they will periodically pump the water out. Pretty horrible for the neighbourhood and the people of South Bristol.
“I wonder how many years we’ll be living with this for?”
A separate complaint on the site, dated September 1, read: “Stagnant water has built up to a depth of 1 meter [sic].
“It’s full of rubbish that is rotting in the water, giving off a foul smell.”
Another anonymous entry dating back to August added: “Litter and stagnant water have been an issue in this underpass for over 2 years.
“The sitting water gets cleared out about twice a year, the rest of the time it creates an awful stench.
“I have seen people now just throw cans and rubbish in the underpass as it is never cleared.”
Bristol City Council has been approached for comment and asked to clarify if any action will be taken to clear the underpass.
❝It is really a disgrace that it has been left in this condition for so many years Local resident