Drivers who continually ignore warnings of flooding on a road in Bromsash, near Ross-on-Wye, are causing damage to nearby properties, according to concerned residents.

The B4224 road through Bromsash is a very popular alternative route for many drivers going from Gloucester to Hereford but wish to avoid going through Ross-on-Wye.

Bromsash resident Max Wilson told the Ross Gazette that the road in question originally flooded three days before Christmas, with the road subsequently being closed by police. However due to build-up of top soil silt in bore drains and a soak away in the area, the flooding in the road became more extensive.

He said that as a result of this several cars became stuck on the road and have had to be towed out by rescue services.

Mr Wilson also claims that with many drivers driving at speed through the floodwater, cottages on the roadside have been damaged due to the constant crashing waves hitting the cottage walls, whilst local residents have also claimed to see bumpers and number plates lost from vehicles while they were attempting to pass through the floodwater.

Mr Wilson said: “The pre-Christmas flood was reported immediately to Hereford Council and after a week it began to subside by about a third. At this point three gentlemen from Balfour Beatty appeared, but they did not do any work to aid the drainage at the roadside but instead handed out leaflets explaining the responsibilities of ditch maintenance.”

The Gazette has received a copy of the leaflet distributed to Bromsash residents by Balfour Beatty, in which it claims Riparian Owners - owners of land or property that adjoins a watercourse - are responsible for ditch maintenance on roadside ditches, including accepting the natural flow of water and water ponding on their land and must carry out ‘necessary maintenance of the water course at their own expense to the satisfaction of the local Land Drainage Body’.

With the road still flooded and closed to drivers many residents in Bromsash have been left stranded.

Mr Wilson added: “Having roads closed can be inconvenient for residents, the people who live in Cross Cottages have had to park out on the B4224 up above the flooding. There are two families in the Cottages with very sick relatives and their health support services have great difficulties attending them.

“Everyone, including the drivers who repeatedly ignore the flood warnings and insist upon driving through a closed road, is wondering when someone is going to appear and undertake the necessary drainage repairs.”A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear of the impact that recent flooding has had on Bromsash residents. “The landowner has responsibility for the maintenance of the ditches and has advised that works to clear them will be carried out as soon as the water recedes enough to do so safely. We will continue to monitor the situation and will take further action if necessary. “We would urge members of the public to be vigilant of any road closure signs as they are in place for health and safety reasons.”