BLOCKED drains need to be cleared soon to prevent further flooding in Ilminster this winter, it has been claimed.

A number of hotspots have been reported to the News, including drains in Townsend and Station Road.

Some residents say they risk a soaking from passing traffic if they are walking on pavements next to problem drains.

An elderly resident in Station Road, who did not wish to be named, said: “At the bottom of Station Road hill when it is raining the water just builds up, and because the path is so narrow, water is just gushing down.

“You get drenched if anyone drives past and it has happened to me. You can’t get out of the way and mothers pushing their children in prams can’t either.

“The drains have weeds growing out of them – it is dreadful.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

A drain on Ditton Street.

Cllr Andrew Shearman, who is in charge of highways and transport for Ilminster Town Council, said: “On a walk around the main roads, mainly Ditton Street, Canal Way, Station Road, North Street and down to Market House, there are a lot of blocked drain grids which must also mean the pipes that connect them must also be blocked.

“Most drains are blocked or not flowing as they should – it will not help in any future flash flooding of both lower Ditton Street and Station Road.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Another silted-up drain on Station Road.

“With this winter’s rain yet to come, and most drains not working as they should, we will have the repeat of last year when water could not drain away fast enough.

“I want the people of Ilminster to tell Somerset County Council when they see a blocked drain so we can get this problem fixed.”

Cllr Linda Vijeh, who represents Ilminster on Somerset County Council, said she was aware of the situation and had reported the problem to highways bosses.

She added: “Certainly with regard to the hotspots, where the potential for flooding remains high, I know that plans are in place to address this. In many cases work to the drainage system itself will need to be carried out.

“However, as expected, getting The Beacon open as soon as possible remains a priority for the town.”

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said it encouraged members of the public to report any problems on roads, including blocked drains.

It urged people who spot a blocked drain to report it to 0845-3459155 or visit somerset.gov.uk so it can be inspected.