An underpass below the A47 used by hundreds of people a week is facing another winter of flooding - a decade after the problem was first reported.

The subway is part of a footpath connecting Middlemarch Road in Toftwood to Moorgate Park and then Dereham and is a key route for walkers and cyclists.

Since 2014, concerns have been raised by those who use the subway under the A47 when it becomes flooded.


Sandra Scott stood in the flooded underpass in Toftwood, near Dereham in 2014.Sandra Scott stood in the flooded underpass in Toftwood, near Dereham, in 2014. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2014)

But confusion over who was responsible for the management of the underpass was only resolved in 2022 when National Highways took on the task and said the issue was a build-up of debris that blocked the gullies and stopped rainwater from flowing into the drainage system. 

However, a year later, when the underpass flooded once again, a school-aged girl helped a stranded stranger pass through the flooded tunnel in a shopping trolley.

The problem still hasn't been resolved and several inches of water built up after heavy rain - leaving people to decide to whether to wade through or add about 15 minutes to their journey by taking an alternative route. 

Fears are growing that it will continue to be an issue all winter.

Harry Clarke, Dereham town councillor for Withburga ward, said: "Sadly, I'm not surprised at all the underpass flooded again.

"My understanding is that National Highways had accepted responsibility for the area and there needs to be a re-design of the drainage, which apparently has been completely inadequate from the outset." 

The same path continues to flood after a period of heavy rain.The same path continues to flood after a period of heavy rain. (Image: Supplied) He said: "I'm aware this is not a quick fix but in the meantime when that water depth gets to the level it does, it wouldn't be safe I suggest. 

"But there seems to be no process agreed for anyone to pump this surface water away." 

A spokesman for National Highways said: "We can confirm the underpass is the responsibility of National Highways, and acknowledge there are issues where temporary flooding has occurred.

"We understand the impact and inconvenience this causes to local people and our efforts are focused on developing a scheme to improve drainage at this location."