Stoke Residents Demand Action After Severe Flooding Crisis

Residents of Munro Street in the West End area of Stoke are calling for immediate action from the local council after experiencing what many described as the worst flooding in recent memory on March 15, 2024. Heavy rainfall led to significant water accumulation, overwhelming the drainage systems and prompting fears of future incidents if the issues are not addressed.

Local resident Kev Freakley, aged 64, recounted the unprecedented nature of the flooding. “I have never seen it like that before. The drains are just blocked,” he stated. Reflecting on his years living in the area, he explained that maintenance used to be more proactive, recalling when vacuum trucks frequently cleared the drains. “We need the council to come out and clean the drains properly,” he emphasized, noting the visible mud and debris that now line the streets.

Another resident, Tom James, aged 39, shared his harrowing experience navigating the flood in his vehicle. “It was up to the grill,” he said, recalling that his journey to Sainsbury’s felt perilous amid the rising waters. “I did not think it would be that bad because it never has been.” Fortunately, he managed to avoid severe damage to his vehicle.

As the floodwaters surged, community members rallied to help each other. Kevin Fradley, aged 55 and Tom’s father-in-law, described how he returned home to find residents attempting to unblock drains. “A man from the Chinese takeaway was trying to unblock grids,” he noted, praising the collective effort of neighbors who worked together to alleviate the flooding. “It just goes to show there is still a community spirit out there.”

The situation escalated as traffic continued to flow through the waterlogged streets, exacerbating the problem. “When the traffic came through, the water was coming up and hitting the houses and shops,” Fradley explained. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the politeness of most drivers, though he noted that some were less considerate.

Fradley also reported attempted communication with the fire brigade, which informed him that they could not assist in such situations. “The grid outside my home has been blocked for more than 10 years,” he said, expressing frustration at the lack of action from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. “The water has got nowhere to go. It just forms at the bottom of the road.”

Justine Johnson, another resident, added to the chorus of concerns. “We are always having floods around here. The council needs to come and get the drains sorted,” she stated, underscoring the recurring nature of the flooding issue.

Despite numerous calls for assistance, council representatives were unavailable for comment at the time of the incident. Residents are left feeling neglected, as many expressed their disappointment at the apparent lack of response from local authorities.

As the community begins the clean-up process, residents remain hopeful that their urgent requests for improved drainage will lead to necessary action from the council. The flooding crisis has highlighted not only the immediate dangers posed by inadequate infrastructure but also the resilience and solidarity of the Munro Street community.