WIRRAL Council has issued a statement following extreme flooding across the borough.

The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for New Brighton – covering Marine Point, Kings Parade and Marine Promenade areas with flood alerts covering other parts of New Brighton, West Kirby Rock Park and Meols Parade.

People had to be saved from Tanskeys Bistro in West Kirby by a lifeboat crew after a high tide completely flooded the South Parade.

The West Kirby flood wall is 1.1 km long and 1.2 meters high and was built to provide protection to the road and properties against storm surges and high tides.

A spokesperson for Wirral Council said: “There has been flooding at a number of locations around Wirral's coastal areas.

"The storm today has seen extremely high winds combined with higher than usual tides to causing water to come over the flood wall at West Kirby.

"The flood wall in West Kirby was designed to act as a defence system to take power out of the tidal waves, to prevent higher levels of flooding and minimise potential damage in the area.

“As with all significant flooding incidents we will assess the flood defences in conjunction with the Environment Agency.

“While the weather conditions remain stormy it is advised to avoid the coastal areas.

“Road closures currently in place are on Brimstage Road, Heswall.

“Other rural roads and areas are expected to be impacted, and highways staff are inspecting these areas as well as any areas they have been informed about by residents, and will take necessary action for the safety of residents and road users.

“Road users are advised to take additional care when travelling.

“People are generally advised to only travel if absolutely essential. The weather could cause significant issues on public roads and changes to bus, rail and sea transport schedules.”

Bins

Biffa have been unable to complete bin collections in coastal areas including Hoylake and Meols today (Tuesday 9 April) due to flooding.

Biffa plan to return tomorrow (Wednesday 10 April) for any uncollected bins, subject to weather conditions. Further information will be provided.

Trees

With strong winds, Wirral Council said its team are aware of some trees that are down. These are on Torwood Road, Claughton and Eastham Rake, Eastham. 

If you see a tree along the highway that is damaged and at risk of falling, please call StreetScene on 0151 606 2004 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) or 0151 647 7810 (out of hours).

If you believe there is an immediate threat or danger, please call 999. If you experience a power cut, call 105 to report this to your provider.

We are urging people to steer clear of woodlands and wooded areas in parks.

Key contacts

  • Emergency - immediate risk to life = 999
  • Police non-emergency = 101
  • Streetscene (report issues on the public highway) = 0151 606 2004 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) or 0151 647 7810 (out of hours)
  • Utilities - to report power outages = 105