LIVERPOOL city council’s deputy leader has demanded "big money" be spent to stop elderly people’s homes in south Liverpool being flooded with raw sewage.
Cllr Flo Clucas says she has become so angry about the persistent problem affecting homes in Woolton that she has written to United Utilities’ chief executive to demand improvement.
Heavy rainstorms in recent weeks have seen foul detritus flood through several roads, gardens and into people’s homes.
Cllr Clucas said: "United Utilities needs to come in with big money, and soon, to sort it out.
"We’re in 2008 now and people should not have to be faced with things that were unacceptable even in Shakespeare’s times.
"I can only imagine the sense of devastation that some people feel when they open their door after coming back from holiday to find their hall is full of sewage."
Some people are still drying out their homes and have installed dehumidifiers.
In her letter, she told Peter Green: "These problems are causing great distress to residents and they have worsened over the last three years or so and are beyond enduring for some of those affected.
"The stench that is left behind is unbearable in some homes.
"For families, it is a dreadful situation.
"The system needs full and proper remedial action, including replacement of the system where it is obviously unable to cope with the amount of water and sewage that is coming through."
United Utilities has attempted to remedy the problem by clearing out a tank on Manor Road, but the situation has not improved.
A United Utilities spokesperson said: "We are prepared to discuss with Cllr Clucas any views she has in regards to sewer flooding issues across the Woolton area.
"We understand what a horrible situation this is for the residents and we endeavour to offer support to them with cleaning up after sewer flooding has occurred.
"The flooding occurs after an exceptionally heavy level of rainfall hits the area and the sewer network becomes overwhelmed.
"We are investigating and monitoring the situation and information will be used to assess future priorities.
"However, investment like this must be approved as part of our Ofwat-regulated investment programme.
"United Utilities is investing £140m tackling sewer flooding throughout the North West between 2005 and 2010."
