Christmas 'ruined' by flooding, families say

Two "heartbroken" families have told how their homes were ruined in repeated flooding because of a company's "broken promises" and fear they may never feel safe in the houses again.

Emergency services were called to Bulwer Street in Bootle, Merseyside, on 30 September after water started gushing into homes.

Heavy rain had contributed to a sewage system failure, resulting in flooding which forced families from their houses for several months, meaning they are unable to have Christmas at home while repairs take place.

United Utilities (UU) said: “We understand that any flooding is extremely upsetting, and we have put in place additional levels of monitoring while we undertake a full review of our systems to minimise the risk of future flooding.”

Bulwer Street residents David and Liz Earnshaw said: “We can’t really put into words how distressing it is to see your home destroyed through no fault of your own. It’s absolutely floored us and we’re just heartbroken.”

The couple said they were assured by UU that such flooding would not happen again, but they were still “terrified” every time it rained.

Their home was previously flooded in 2013 when sewage and water swamped the ground floor of their property, leaving them unable to return for six months.

Ms Earnshaw told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that she called UU, warning them the street was flooding and soon afterwards, the living room was under water.

She said she has health problems and difficulties with her breathing which has worsened since they were evacuated and placed in temporary accommodation.

The couple said they had become increasingly stressed and are facing at least another two-three months away from their home, including Christmas, as UU contractors work to restore the property.

"You’re thinking to yourself ‘how much energy reserves do we have to go through this again? Is it safe to go back? Could we survive it again?”, Ms Earnshaw said.

United Utilities said: “Recovery work is still under way and we are keeping residents informed of progress including estimated completion dates."

Scott Stringer, 36, and his mother Gill, 58, have also been evacuated and housed in a temporary apartment.

Mr Stringer said: “Everyone’s Christmas is ruined. No one can do anything. No one’s got a life at the minute.

“Because all of a sudden it rains and a few weeks later, we’re standing in a gutted house and our whole life is turned upside down due to broken promises.”

The mother and son have been told they will not be able to return home for several months as contractors work to restore the ground floor.

Mr Stringer added: “The things we’ve lost are irreplaceable – gifts, family mementos, photos – they’ve all been destroyed and thrown in the bin.”

UU said they have committed to ongoing engagement with Bulwer Street residents and provided a dedicated team to help with immediate and mid-to-long-terms needs.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected] and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.