A SOUTHAMPTON road has flooded causing disruption to motorists.

Flooding on Lobelia Road in Swaythling is forcing motorists to slow down and obstructing pedestrians.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the city yesterday as Storm Claudio hit the city.

READ MORE: Live updates as storm brings heavy rain and strong winds

Residents say the road has flooded yearly due to blocked drains.

This is despite repeated efforts to clear them by Southampton City Council. 

READ MORE: Storm Claudio: Strong winds to hit Southampton

David Watton-Tanner from Swaythling said: "I first moved into the estate almost 17 years ago and the issue was present then.

"Some people have commented that this issue dates back to the 60's and 70's.

"Every year I report it numerous times to the council, they blame the drains being blocked, clear the drains and claim the problem has been fixed.

"It doesn't solve the problem at all. It is a frequent route for kids travelling to Bassett Green Primary School, with the road being used as a rat run with motorists often going over the speed limit.

"It is very dangerous having to use the road, made worse by university students and staff parking both sides of the dip."

A Southampton City Council said the road and drains will be looked at to relieve the flooding.

They said: "Our highways partner, Balfour Beatty has had problems when trying to cleanse the gullies in Lobelia Road due to parked vehicles.

"Balfour Beatty’s sub-contractors will attend today and see whether the gullies are accessible to carry out jetting.  

"The Flood Risk Management team completed a study earlier this year to determine options that may be suitable for reducing the impact of flooding at the Daisy Dip recreation ground.

"This will also aim to alleviate water pooling on Lobelia Road. The team is currently exploring funding opportunities to enable further investigation."

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