A BUSY subway was out of bounds for a week after heavy rain left it flooded.

The underpass between Radwinter Avenue and Park Drive, Wickford, which is well-used by schoolchildren, has finally been drained after the Echo stepped in.

Residents were unable to use the walkway, meaning they were forced to cross the Golden Jubilee Way dual-carriageway, after it flooded over Bank Holiday weekend.

Mud and empty cans and bottles have been left behind following yesterday's clear-up.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford Park, has accused Essex County Council, which is responsible for the underpass, of poor maintenance.

He said: “I don’t know exactly what caused the flooding.

“It could be that the pump that carries water out of the subway is broken, or perhaps the drains are full of rubbish and are blocked.

“The water was stopping people walking through, and it was up to the first step going down into the subway.

“If people do not carry wellington boots with them when they are walking, then they could end up with very wet feet.

“I don’t really understand why it took so long to be cleared up. There are often problems with subways, but it's usually to do with lighting at night.

“If a subway is important and is well used, like this subway is, then I think it is very important that it is kept, well, clean, tidy and clear for people to use.”

Peter Holliman, leader of the Wickford Independents, said flooding in the underpass is a reoccurring problem.

He added: “I think there is no excuse for Essex County Council to let it get in this state.

“The subway is a major walk way across a busy junction and I don’t see where else people can safely cross the junction.

“It seems to me as if the county council just does not care about the problem.”

Nigel Le Gresley, county councillor for Wickford, said he pushed officers to clear the water as quickly as possible.

He added: “I have been working on this issue and I have been in contact with Wickford councillors about the flooding problems.

“We think it was down to the pump in the subway not working. The issue is that the subway is below drainage level.

“When it hadn’t been fixed after we had put in calls with Basildon Council and Essex County Council, is was time to press the button and get the issue sorted as soon as possible.

“Although the water has been cleared, the subway should never have flooded in the first place. Mud has been left behind, as well as rubbish such as plastic bottoms, debris from plants and trees, and drink cans.”