Seaforth homes destroyed by contaminated floodwater after heavy rainfall

ITV Granada Reports journalist Emma Sweeney met dozens of residents who are beginning the clean-up after dozens after almost a month's worth of rain fell.

A woman who is among dozens of people whose lives have been "transformed overnight" after floodwater destroyed their homes says "nobody is taking any accountability".

Some residents living on Bulwer Street, Seaforth, Sefton, have now been flooded out of three times in the last 14 years.

Ami Ponter, who lives with her partner, said she was "terrified" after contaminated water entered her home.

"We've been told that because it is wastewater, we're going to have to take the floor up because everything is ruined," she said.

"We don't know what we're standing on right now. We're not being told what's going on. Our lives have been turned over and nobody is taking any accountability."

The ground floor of Ami's home was left underwater after heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Joan Porter, who lives on the same street, said she was out shopping when she got a call from her husband telling her water was seeping into their house.

He had to be rescued from the home by emergency services before Joan returned.

She says her brand new sofa was left "floating in the living room" as she faces "losing everything".

Houses were left submerged in water following the constant downpours.

Joan said: “I managed to get up the street to the house and then, as we’ve been in the house, it’s just been getting higher and higher.

“I’d say it’s about two feet high in the house now, so my brand new sofa is just floating in the living room.

"We’re going to lose everything again, like we did the last time.”

Residents were helped from their home by fire officers. Credit: LDRS

Joan was living in Bulwer Street when the road flooded around 10 years ago, and said, that time, she was unable to go home for three months.

There have been two historical incidences of flooding reported on the street over the past 14 years.

The first flood occurred in 2010 when a torrential rain storm flooded homes and closed roads in and around Seaforth and Bootle.

The other incident happened in 2013 when a summer storm hit Merseyside and caused severe flooding on Bulwer Street including sewage water.

Joan, says the last flood caused her to lose all her possessions.

“Luckily, we had family members all club together to help replace what we lost," she said.

"But they’ve all gone now. They’ve all passed away so, I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Speaking of what will happen next, Joan added: “I really don’t know.

“The last time they put us up in a hotel and it took us three months to get back home. I just don’t want to do that. I want to be in my own house.

“I’m furious because I just don’t know how this has been allowed to happen again.”

Mersey Fire & Rescue Service conducting safety checks and assisting residents out of their homes. Credit: LDRS

In a joint statement, Sefton Council and United Utilities said:“Since the heavy rainfall, Sefton Council and United Utilities have been working closely with the relevant agencies to help residents affected by flooding and they remain our number one priority.

“We understand that any flooding is extremely upsetting and we have teams on the ground working tirelessly to help and support members of the local community during this difficult time.

“Our teams are helping with the clear up and are also speaking to local residents offering help and guidance as well as practical help. We encourage residents to ask them anything as they are there to help and will stay on site for as long as they are needed.

“In the meantime, we are also working together to identify the cause of the flooding.”

John Smart had to be rescued from his home by the fire service

Another resident impacted by the flood on Bulwer Street is John Smart, 74, who was also rescued by emergency services and taken to safety via a dinghy.

John’s son-in-law Steven said John was alarmed mid-afternoon by the water level approaching the house and tried to contact United Utilities.

Steven claims John now has to seek accommodation as he has not been approached by anyone regarding help and his house is submerged in “contaminated water”.

Numerous flood warnings were issues across the region as heavy rain continued for much of Monday. Credit: PA Images

Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed attended an incident at Bowles Street, Bootle, following reports of flooding.

Crews were alerted at 2.41pm and arrived on scene at 2.46pm to find surrounding streets involved with flooding.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “At the height of the incident six fire engines, the Search and Rescue Team and the Service drone we all at scene alongside Merseyside Police, Sefton Council and United Utilities.

“Following multi-agency meetings, fire crews assisted in the evacuation of people from their homes. Some were assisted out of their homes using a rescue sled.

“A total of 42 people have been aided, some have been evacuated, while others have chosen to stay put in their homes, take refuge at a local community centre, or make alternative accommodation arrangements.”