DRAINS on the busy A49 have been left blocked for months, according to a Shropshire parliamentary hopeful.

Lib Dem Chris Naylor, who will be standing for election as a member of parliament when Ludlow MP Philip Dunne retires at the end of his parliamentary term, said people living in Swain's Meadow in Church Stretton have missed out on a normal Christmas after late October flood damage, over two months ago.

Blocked drains on the A49 meant water run-off flooded ten homes, ruining carpets and furniture. Local town councillor Mark Morris had to move out for Christmas, and likely months more, while his home is repaired.

Ludlow Advertiser: A blocked drain on the A49 in Church StrettonA blocked drain on the A49 in Church Stretton (Image: Chris Naylor)

But a Christmas Eve inspection by Mr Naylor, who lives in All Stretton, showed that four drains on the nearby A49 were still out of action.

“There’s no doubt the water run-off from the A49 due to blocked drains caused this horrendous flooding back in October" said Mr Naylor, a former Lib Dem councillor.

"I’m alarmed to see several drains are still blocked. I’ll be raising this again on the council’s ‘Fix My Street’ website. But last time I highlighted a highways problem I received a report saying the work had been done, when in fact nothing had happened.

“Climate change means we're going to have more floods, and worse floods. Especially at this time of year. 

Ludlow Advertiser: Damaged carpets outside a home in Swains Meadow, Church StrettonDamaged carpets outside a home in Swains Meadow, Church Stretton (Image: Chris Naylor)

"The council shouldn’t be leaving it to residents to report problems after things go wrong. The Highways Department should be ensuring there are advance checks, to prevent problems in the first place."

"We’re grateful to all concerned" said town councillor Mark Morris, who has had to move out, with his family.

“But it's ridiculous we’ve having Christmas away from home because of these unnecessary floods.

“The blocked drains clearly made the flooding much worse. I can hardly believe there’s still four drains blocked, after the awful time we and our neighbours have had. As a taxi driver, I know all too well that excess surface water can cause serious road accidents too.”