Repeated flooding of streets in the heart of Swansea's popular Uplands district has left businesses and residents thoroughly fed up.
Heavy rain this week once again left streets in the popular Swansea suburb submerged with water, causing traffic to slow down to carefully navigate streets, and pedestrians to take circuitous routes to avoid the build-up.
But it is not the first time a downpour has caused the drainage system to overflow, prompting frustration from people who work in and visit the area.
Jayne Keeley, chairman of Uplands Traders’ Association, said: “It is a shocking but age old problem. It’s been like this for years in Uplands Crescent.
“I look out of my window every time we have a downpour and watch the water lap the pavement and pray that it subsides and doesn’t one day come under my door.
“Gwydr Lane has been getting worse over the last couple of years as the water doesn’t seem to drain anywhere.
“We have made numerous complaints but the problem still remains unchanged."
Bruno Nunes, owner of restaurant and bar Brewstone added: “It is a bit confusing as due to topography of the area we shouldn’t have an issue, but it’s been suggested there are specific capacity issues due to inadequate infrastructure.
“We need to see a resolution to it as soon as possible for the sake of our neighbours, guests and business”.
And businessman Leighton James, who is looking to return to the area, added: “As a former resident of the Uplands I am looking to buy a house in the Uplands and move back, but over the last few years I’ve seen a few things that are putting me off.
“Flooding in this area has got out of control in recent years. I’ve often sat in Costa and seen the cars and people trying to avoid the water but it’s unavoidable now.
“I believe the drains are part blocked as the water does drain eventually. I have seen the council and highways out in previous heavy rain but nothing seems to solve the problem.
“I clean windows and gutters weekly in the Uplands and park in the bays available and often get soaked from splashes and large puddles.
“I know it’s a huge concern for many of the businesses there, but thankfully I’m a mobile business and only have to put up with wet feet and trousers.
“There’s a few areas of Uplands that get flooding.
“Glanmor Road is like a waterfall going down, and the start of Walter Road down to the city gets it bad also.”
Uplands councillor Nick Davies added: “There has been a lot of very, very heavy rainfall all over the UK, which is almost certainly connected to climate change, and I think the existing infrastructure is having difficulty coping with it.
“Uplands is not immune, and I think the infrastructure needs addressing if it is to deal with it.
“Uplands councillor Mary Sherwood is seeking a technical explanation from council officers about how we can deal with climate change and any adverse effects”.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "The heavy rainfall we are currently experiencing is leading to isolated spots across Swansea suffering from flooding. In some areas the drainage network is unable to cope with the large volume of water which follows torrential rain and therefore takes longer for it to drain away.
"We are monitoring these sites regularly and carrying out works if these drains suffer from blockages.
"We would urge motorists to drive with care especially in these conditions where they could encounter surface water which has collected on roads."
