Residents in Flixton are still waiting for help after severe flooding left them surrounded by debris and sewage for three days.
Flixton: It’s been a wild few days for the folks here. After heavy rains flooded the area, people are still waiting for help. It’s been three days, and they’re surrounded by floating trash, sewage, and even used condoms. Not exactly the start to the new year anyone wanted.
Residents are frustrated. They’ve watched as floodwaters carried all sorts of debris past their homes. Jean O’Hara, who runs a respite care service, described the scene as a “tidal wave of water” that hit them out of nowhere. It’s been a nightmare.
On New Year’s Day, the River Mersey overflowed, and it didn’t take long for the water to rise. Some people were trapped in their homes, and rescue teams had to use boats to get to them. It’s been chaos, and the clean-up is still ongoing.
Local MP Andrew Western visited the area and called out United Utilities for not stepping up. He mentioned that residents have been left without power and access to their homes for days. It’s unacceptable, especially with more rain on the way.
People like Gary Thompson thought they’d dodged the worst of it, but then the water came rushing in. It was all over in minutes, and now they’re left dealing with the aftermath. Some residents are even trying to clear drains themselves, but it’s not making much of a difference.
Vicky Capewell, who runs a boarding kennel, praised a colleague who helped rescue a family trapped in their basement. Thankfully, all the animals in her care are safe, but the situation is still dire. Residents are calling for better drainage and flood management to prevent this from happening again.
As the days drag on, the smell of sewage is becoming unbearable. People are just hoping for some help soon. United Utilities has said they’re working around the clock, but for those stuck in the mess, it feels like too little, too late.
