Disputes are continuing between Liverpool City Council, residents and United Utilities over the instalment of an underground water storage tank in the Mystery, Wavertree.
The park, gifted anonymously to LCC in 1895, creating its nickname, is now home to fences, skips, and flyers disputing the project.
United Utilities began a two-year project in October, to ‘help reduce the risk of flooding in the local area’ with works spanning 60ft underground and 88ft wide.
The company say the underground tank will hold 5.5million litres of rainwater – equivalent to more than two Olympic swimming pools.
Residents do not dispute the needs for the work, but rather the manner in how United Utilities have started the project.
Residents say they were not consulted before works began, with initial plans for fencing along the perimeter of the park running along Grant Avenue and up Prince Alfred Road.
These plans have since been abandoned, furthering residents’ frustration in the lack of communication from both the council, and United Utilities.
A spokesperson from the group Save Our Mystery said: “We do not doubt the works are needed. We just want to understand the scale of them.
“Both Liverpool City Council, and United Utilities have avoided residents. Our MP Paula Barker, was oblivious to the project before contact from the community.”
This contact ultimately led to two public meetings taking place, the first was held on October 30, and the second last Thursday evening.
The community has praised Paula Barker for beginning conversations but holds United Utilities and the council at fault for the handling of the project.
“United Utilities have admitted they do not know if this project will solve flooding issues. Plans are not finalised,” the spokesperson said.
“Ultimately, United Utilities could not give final designs for the plan. We just want our park to be kept for the community.
We have no issues with the works, but the outcome of them. We have nearly 1400 signatures on our petition.”
Residents are worried about the possible impact re-soiling, where soil is excavated and piled in another area, will have on the park which is home to wildlife.
A spokesperson for Save the Mystery said that any income the city council receives from United Utilities for use of the park should be used for the benefit of the park and L15 community initiatives.
Cllr. Richard Kemp for Penny Lane, represents the ward where Elaine and Philip Marco died two years ago in heavy flooding. Kemp said he has consistently raised concerns of flooding.
He said: “Both the council and United Utilities have been appalling in answering the questions around this project.
United Utilities are somewhat backwards in coming forwards. Residents must realise we are trying to make the area safer, and these works will affect over 35,000 people including those in Childwall and Belle Vale.
This project may lead to the park becoming a lot better. It is a short-term disturbance, for a long-term solution.”
In September, Mayor Steve Rotheram unveiled plans to prevent flooding and create cleaner water supplies across the Liverpool City Region.
This project to manage the water supply more sustainably, partners with United Utilities.
Mayor Rotheram said: “Above all it’s about fairness. Because too often, it’s our most disadvantaged communities who are hardest hit – whether through poor infrastructure, rising costs, or being shut out of decision making.
Tackling that is part of the fight for environmental and social justice.”
The Integrated Water Management Plan lists a key enabler as “Engagement and communication: Better engagement between authorities, businesses, and residents.”
But residents claim these points have been the ‘polar opposite’ of how this project has been delivered so far to the local community. They have vowed to continue efforts to gain clarity.
Cllr Richard Kemp encouraged local residents to set up a Friends of The Mystery, a group promoting the park, which residents claim was disbanded due to a lack of council support.
Liverpool City Region has begun stepping up ambitions to make Merseyside more sustainable, innovative, and modern. Residents are asking for transparency and clarity in these efforts.
United Utilities were contacted for comment, but did not address the specific concerns raised by residents. Liverpool City Council did not respond to a request for comment.
Featured image: Ollie Watson
@merseynewslive The Mystery in Wavertree has become the site of a project to alleviate flooding concerns. Residents of the area are voicing their concerns. Read our article now to find out more on merseynewslive.co.uk #Liverpool #journalism #merseynewslive
