Calls for action to tackle water leak on Hadleigh footpath

Rachel Alexander, who regularly visits her parents in Hadleigh, says the family has been battling the problem for years, with water running down Lady Lane and leaving the pathway covered in moss and algae.

For Rachel, the issue is particularly difficult. She is registered blind and uses a long cane, while her father Phillip is disabled and uses a wheelchair.

Rachel, who is registered blind (Image: Submitted)

Anglian Water said it is "identifying and repairing leaks as quickly as possible" (Image: Contributed)

Both rely on the pathway, which Rachel uses when travelling by public transport to visit her parents.

“I’ve already slipped in it once,” Rachel said.

“It’s extremely dangerous and needs a professional clean. It’s unavoidable and you have to walk through it or walk on the main road.”

Phillip Hicks in his wheelchair (Image: Submitted)

Five separate water leaks have been reported in the road in the last week (Image: Contributed)

Rachel says the family has repeatedly tried to get the problem addressed, but has been passed between different authorities.

The family says the situation has steadily worsened over at least seven years. During winter, the flowing water can freeze, creating icy patches on the footpath and road.

Rachel’s sister, Sammy Hicks, is also concerned about water flowing into the road around the Brett Avenue junction with the B1070, which she says contributes to potholes and dangerous icy patches.

Rachel and Sammy (Image: Submitted)

Rachel fears the consequences if nothing changes.

“Before long someone is going to break a bone or worse,” she said. “I feel it’s a risk to both walkers and road users alike and is a public health and safety issue.”

The family is now calling for the authorities to take responsibility and, at the very least, arrange for the slippery moss and algae to be professionally removed.

An Anglian Water spokeswoman said: "We understand concerns about leaks and the impact they can have on local communities.

Lady Lane water leak in Hadleigh (Image: Contributed)

"Our teams work around the clock to identify and repair leaks as quickly as possible, prioritising those that have the greatest impact on customers' water supplies and those resulting in the highest water loss.

“Finding and fixing leaks is one of our biggest priorities.

"We currently have 245 people focused on finding and fixing leaks, including increased 24/7 standby and emergency response cover."