Sarah said her car is damaged after being submerged in filthy floodwater
Woman trapped inside her house after night of torrential rain
A mum said she was “trapped” in her home following a night of relentless rain and heavy flooding. Sarah Coakley returned to her home in Kirkby on Wednesday morning (January 1) after being out of town for New Year’s Eve to find her car submerged in filthy floodwater.
Sarah, who lives with her partner and two children, said she is “devastated” by the damage caused by the flood. While Loughlin Drive is prone to flooding, Sarah said she is usually able to move her car further down the road, away from risk of water damage.
However, as the 40-year-old spent the night away from home, she was unable to do so. Sarah told the ECHO: “We just didn’t think about it. It was New Year and we were having a drink.
“It didn’t cross our minds. I’m devastated, my car’s completely damaged. My partner has been out all day trying to soak up the water. It’s all over the carpet, it’s going to stink of damp.”
United Utilities has since been out to solve the issue, which was caused by a “blocked drain”. A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “Unfortunately, due to the extreme rainfall and a blocked drain, a customer experienced some external flooding to their property. Our teams are working to support the customer and we will be clearing the blocked drain in the next 24 hours.”
The floodwater, which Sarah said was “knee-deep”, has meant residents on the street were unable to leave their homes. Sarah added: “I just feel trapped. We can’t go out.
“I’ve got two dogs and they’re looking at me wanting to go out but there’s nothing I can do.” Sarah said this is the “most devastating” flood that has occurred on her road because of the damage it has left on her car.
As a care assistant, she relies on her car to travel to work safely. She said: “The only way I can get out the house is by jumping over the wall and then walking through the field behind the house. I don’t want to do that because it’s too dark at seven in the morning. That’s why I’ve got the car.
Sarah returned home on New Year’s Day to find her car submerged in floodwater(Image: Sarah Coakley)
“I don’t even mind usually when it [floods], it is what it is. But not when my car is getting damaged. I paid a lot for my car and I don’t know what the outcome is going to be. I don’t know if I can reimbursed for it or not.”
Knowsley Council has confirmed a response vehicle was sent to clear the floodwater, but left a few hours later without any success. Sarah said: “They tried to do it and got off. They said there was too much water. There should be a solution where it doesn’t happen anymore. We can’t keep doing this.”
Loughlin Drive was submerged in floodwater following a night of torrential rain on New Year’s Eve(Image: Sarah Coakley)
Knowsley Council has been approached for comment. An Environment Agency Spokesperson said: “We are sadly very aware of the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting communities is our top priority, and our sympathies are with anyone affected over recent days.
“Our staff are continuing to work hard in responding to the recent heavy rainfall that has impacted multiple communities, including in Kirkby. This includes working with our partners to respond to any reports of incidents from the public, as well as visiting communities affected to better understand the source of flooding.”
A yellow weather warning for rain was put in place for parts of Merseyside at 3pm on Tuesday, December 31, with downpours continuing through the night. A yellow warning for snow and ice is in effect from 12pm on Saturday, January 4 until 9am on Monday covering Merseyside. Additionally, a fresh amber warning for icy surfaces has been issued for most parts of the region.