Bedford Borough Council and Network Rail in row over Clapham flooding

By Lewis Adams and Danny FullbrookBBC News, Bedfordshire

Bedford Borough Council

Concerns have been raised about the safety of pedestrians and motorists when Lovell Road floods

Flooding issues beneath a bridge have sparked a row between a council and railway bosses.

Bedford Borough Council said the failing drainage system in Lovell Road, Clapham, Bedfordshire, had become a safety concern for pedestrians.

It declared it would be exploring legal avenues against Network Rail, which owns the land where the flooding emanates from.

But the firm claimed the council was responsible for any repairs.

The two authorities have locked horns on who should lead on any scheme beneath the railway bridge thus far, but both said they were aware of the "urgency".

The council said it would be pursuing legal action under the Land Drainage Act, having made "numerous appeals and repeated requests" for Network Rail to address the problem.

Jim Weir, the councillor responsible for highways, said the issue had become "a matter of serious concern".

"The failure of the drainage network on Network Rail's land poses a direct threat to the safety of pedestrians, especially children accessing schools in Oakley from Clapham, and motorists who use this route," Mr Weir said.

A council spokesperson said a temporary footway beneath the bridge was under development and added the authority was committed to working towards a solution with Network Rail.

When approached by the BBC, Network Rail maintained its stance that the council was responsible for the issue with the drainage system.

It added: "However, Network Rail is seeking to engage with Bedford Borough Council regarding the highways drain with a view to resolving the issue, noting the urgency."