Pagemoss Flood (updated) Huyton 18.07.2011

At around 9.30,am the 42 inch diameter Trunk-Main into Liverpool ruptured and blew one of its seals, at the corner of Lincombe Road & Huyton House Road. The main has had work on it here before, and only last year the valves had to be replaced in exactly the same spot. Although Huyton House Road had it bad during the morning, the afternoon saw the flood turn in direction and progress along Cotsford Road, which dips in the middle, and reports were, that the water was waist height, with people having to be evacuated by firemen in dinghies to a a local community centre. Our local Labour Councillors helped to co-ordinate with the emergency services and to give advice & support when needed, to local residents. Knowsley Housing Trust were also on hand to make electricity and gas supplies safe. In the evening, although everyone was kept well back behind the fence by the local Community Officers and United Utilities staff, I managed to hold the camera above the fence (good job I'm tall) and run off a few shots with a video, of the initial fix. As a Plumbing Lecturer in a Vocational College, the day should make an interesting and informative lesson for my plumbing students.