'It's upsetting to see park dug up for water tank'

People living opposite a Liverpool park say they have been "left in the dark" about plans to install a large underground water tank designed to store excess rainwater and help prevent flooding.

United Utilities, which is behind the project in the Wavertree park known locally as The Mystery, said it was keeping local people updated. But some residents said a lack of detailed plans had led to confusion and misinformation.

The firm said the water tank would reduce pressure on the sewer network during periods of "intense rainfall" and return it back to the sewers for "treatment once there's enough capacity".

The tank will hold 7 million litres of water, enough to fill three Olympic swimming pools.

The main building work is expected to finish by summer 2028.

Local MP Paula Barker said the project was part of measures introduced to alleviate flooding in the south of the city.

Elaine and Philip Marco died in flash floods in 2023 when their car entered deep water which had accumulated under and near a bridge.

"In the city, we have an ageing sewer network and global warming is real. The rainwater needs somewhere to go," said Barker.

However Barker said she agreed with her constituents that United Utilities (UU) and Liverpool City Council could have communicated with them more effectively.

She said she only found out about the project when concerned constituents began to contact her.

"Ordinarily I have a good relationship with United Utilities, but on this occasion the communication was severely lacking," she commented.

Barker said she had organised two public meetings for residents.

"I don't think anyone can deny the disruption that will be caused and had UU and the council communicated more effectively, perhaps the constituents wouldn't have been so upset, but the work I am told must be done."

She said it had "come as a shock to her" that applicable rules meant UU had not needed planning permission before the project could go ahead.

Neighbours Helen and Paul, who did not give their surnames, live on Grant Avenue, opposite the site where some investigation work is already underway.

The project has been controversial and provoked heated debate in local Facebook groups.

Paul said people living opposite the park recognised that flooding was becoming an increasing problem but said the green space "meant a lot to people".

"It's an open space that the local community can use whenever they need to, whenever they want to, in all weathers."

The Mystery was gifted to the city by an anonymous benefactor in 1895.

He was later revealed to be Philip H. Holt whose family fortunes were made from the shipping trade.

The park is especially popular with runners and dog walkers.

Paul said it was also a popular spot for local cricketers in the summer.

Helen said one element of the plan to have been confirmed was a new access road off Grant Avenue, which will be permanent and only a few metres away from her front door.

"Even after the works have been finished, which may be two years, maybe more, they admit there could be up to 40 trucks coming and going from the new access point."

She said the "rumbling traffic and extra lorry loads" would be "horrible".

UU said almost all of the affected area would be usable after the work is completed, with the park looking almost identical to the way it looks now, except for the access road.

The company said it looked at other sites nearby for the tank system, but there were limited options in terms of size and location.

Helen said: "I want clarity from Liverpool City Council and from United Utilities.

"What are you doing? When are you doing it? What's the result going to be? And to be honest about that, it's very upsetting."

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