Residents in Bootle, Merseyside, say raw sewerage has been pumped onto Church Road for more than 48 hours, leading to concerns over foul smells and public health. The situation was first flagged by local Sefton community groups on February 7, 2026, when locals noticed effluent appearing on the road surface and pavements near the junction with Netherton Way.
Neighbours say they have contacted United Utilities and Sefton Council asking for the pumping to stop and for the area to be cleaned. Many locals say they are worried about the health risks of walking through the waste, especially for families and children living nearby.
This part of the A5036 has a history of major pipe problems, including a large water main burst in July 2022. At that time, My Sefton reported the road was submerged and that thousands of homes were left without water during the incident.
Records published on GOV.UK (United Utilities EPA data report 2024) show the regional water company has previously been under scrutiny for its environmental performance. Locals say they are still waiting for a permanent fix to the ageing pipes and drainage systems that serve the community.
