Homes evacuated after burst main causes flooding

A number of residents on a road in Liverpool have been evacuated from their homes after a burst water main caused flooding.

Residents on Elm Vale in Fairfield, were told to leave their properties after the main burst on neighbouring Prescot Road on Wednesday evening, with people urged by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to avoid the area due to the ongoing incident.

Liverpool City Councillor Steve Radford, whose ward is next to the affected area, said a community centre would be opening up for those who had had to leave their homes.

A United Utilities spokesperson, said: "Our teams are responding to a burst pipe in Fairfield. We are working closely with the emergency services at the site."

Radford said: "The water level has now dropped but it was quite a scare."

He said he had been informed the issue should be resolved later on Wednesday evening.

Radford, who represents the neighbouring Stoneycroft ward, said the "major flooding" incident had been affecting Prescot Road, between Fairfield and Stanley Market.

He said he was in communication with emergency services and residents affected, confirming "a number of people" were being evacuated from their homes.

He said the area was cordoned off and the Tuebrook Hope Community Centre on Snaefell Avenue was opening up to provide shelter and refreshments for those affected.

Liverpool City Council said a temporary reception centre was "now in place at Edge Lane Police Station for residents who have been evacuated".

It advised that road closures were currently in place at the following locations: Rawlins Street; Holland Street; Green Lane; West Derby Road; Whitecroft; Elm Vale; Balmoral Road; Lily Road; Lauren Road and Holly Road.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said they were in attendance at the incident, with crews alerted at 17:32 BST and on the scene at 17:36.

They said Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

North West Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.

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