Record rainfall sees 70% flood increase in one part of Merseyside

Flood events in one part of Merseyside rose by more than 70% last year while average rainfall in September increased by 150-200%, according to a report published by Sefton Council. The report also detailed the local authority's public engagement around environmental issues which showed more than one-in-ten local residents refuse to accept climate change is real.

At an Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) in Bootle, Sefton Council presented an annual review on the management of flooding and coastal changes. The report was presented by Risk Management team leader, Paul Wisse who highlighted its work reducing flood risk and enhancing coastal resilience.

Since 2010, Sefton averaged 48 flood events every year, but this number rose significantly between the period of October 2023-September 2024 when Sefton saw 83 reported flooding incidents, including 40 cases of internal flooding where water entered people's homes or businesses.

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According to Mr Wisse, the most significant event occurred on September 30 in Bootle when heavy rain contributed to a failure in the combined sewer system and resulted in severe flooding - exposing the borough's vulnerability to intense rainfall events. According to data compiled by the local authority, there was a 150-200% increase in the average rainfall across Sefton during the month of September.

Alongside residential flooding, the borough also faced challenges relating to tidal flooding and coastal erosion. The report cites the problems faced during Storm Pierrick in April which caused a surge in the water levels during high tide - resulting in the flooding of the car next to Blundellsands Sailing Club.

Furthermore, the storm caused some erosion of sand dunes, with parts of the Hightown dunes losing up to five meters of land. Storm Pierrick and Storm Debbie in November 2023 were also cited in the council report as contributing to coastal erosion across Sefton.

These coastal incidents have drawn attention to the need for ongoing investment in coastal defences to protect Sefton’s shoreline, according to the report. One example of investment is cited in the 'capital projects' section of the review which details the urgent coastal defence works being carried out in Crosby including the installation of rock armour.

The review also notes the ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain key assets, such as coastal defences and watercourses, through regular inspections and maintenance work. For example, repairs have been carried out on the Crosby sea wall, ensuring the borough’s coastline remains protected against storm surges and rising sea levels.

Sefton Council’s long-term flood risk management strategy outlines several actions for the coming years including the development of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in residential areas to manage surface water more effectively, particularly in Churchtown and Crossens. The council is also working on natural flood management projects in areas such as Formby and Maghull.