Heavy rain caused disruption across Liverpool last week and now opponents want the city council to do more
17:00, 24 Nov 2025Updated 17:48, 24 Nov 2025
A motorist driving along the flooded Princes Road(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Liverpool Council has been accused of “letting the city flood on repeat” as an opposition leader calls for greater action to clear gullies. Severe weather caused disruption across the city last week, with heavy rainfall leaving multiple roads flooded and transport services heavily affected ahead of a yellow weather warning for ice coming into force overnight.
Among the areas impacted included Allerton Road and Mather Avenue with cars seen driving through heavy rain. Queens Drive, under the Briardale Road bridge, was also shut off to drivers on Tuesday night.
This was the same area where a couple were killed when their car became hydrolocked in flash flooding two years ago. Now, the city council’s Liberal Democrat group leader wants to see further action to clear highway gullies to prevent further flooding.
Cllr Carl Cashman, who represents the Church ward, said: “Enough is enough. Liverpool shouldn’t turn into a lake every time it rains.
“That’s why the Lib Dems are calling on the council to inspect and clear every gully at least twice a year.” Cllr Cashman cited issues with Queens Drive and Allerton Road, as well as Smithdown Road, County Road in Walton and Aigburth Road.
Cllr Carl Cashman in front of some bins
To combat these issues, Cllr Cashman’s group has called for twice-yearly gully inspections alongside what they call “preventive action” in flooding hotspots ahead of major storms and heavy rainfall. The opposition is also calling on the city’s neighbourhoods scrutiny committee to consider a report about what the council can do to address long-term flooding hotspots.
Cllr Cashman added: “These aren’t freak incidents – they’re the result of neglect. Other councils manage routine gully cleaning, Liverpool can too.
“This isn’t going to stop flooding in Liverpool – with climate change and heavier rainfall, it’s going to happen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t manage this better. For the past 15 years, what’s missing is leadership.
Queens Drive closed due to flooding at Mossley Hill on Tuesday November 18(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“Liverpool deserves better than repeated flooding and constant excuses.” Cllr Cashman’s comments come after his predecessor in the role, Cllr Richard Kemp, who represents the Penny Lane ward where Elaine and Philip Marco died two years ago, said he had raised concerns about flooding continually, particularly during the multiple events of 2023.
He said: “We ramped up complaints about lighting and blocked gullies after the first, second and third strandings but too little was planned and done too late. Clearly lives were at risk although no flooding had ever reached the magnitude of the one on that terrible night.”
A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “We recognise the frustration residents feel when flooding occurs and we take these concerns seriously. While flooding cannot be eliminated entirely, we are working to reduce its impact wherever possible.
“We have a scheduled and proactive programme of gully cleansing, and each year our leaf fall removal programme clears more than 2,350 tonnes of leaves from highways and footways to help prevent blockages.
“In addition, during heavy rainfall, we operate a 24‑hour service to respond to reports and remove blockages so water can flow into the drainage system.”
Last week after the inquest into the Marcos’ deaths Andrew Lewis, Liverpool Council chief executive said: “Substantial work has been carried out at the site to mitigate the risk of future flooding. This included installing barriers, signage, and early warning systems, including CCTV monitoring and warning sensors.
“The council commissioned an independent expert review under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act. This report was made public and has helped inform the inquest.
“I have given my personal assurance to the family that the council remains fully committed to maintaining openness and transparency in all matters related to this tragedy.”