Home / Disasters and Accidents / Couple Drowns in 'Monsoon' Flood: Council Blamed
Couple Drowns in 'Monsoon' Flood: Council Blamed
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Couple drowned in 15ft deep water after 'monsoon' conditions.
- Council admitted installing warning signs took fatalities.
- Road had history of flooding, but no life-threatening risk assessed.
A devoted couple, Philip and Elaine Marco, lost their lives after their car entered a 15ft deep pool of water on Queens Drive. The incident occurred during what was described as 'monsoon' intensity rainfall, with up to 80 mm falling in an hour. The couple died just days before their 54th wedding anniversary.
An inquest heard that the location had a history of flooding, with four prior incidents in the months leading up to the tragedy. However, these were not deemed a 'threat to life'. The council admitted that they had informally decided to install warning signs after earlier floods but had not yet done so, regrettably stating that it took fatalities for action to be taken.
The flooding was attributed to sewer surcharges from United Utilities, which prevented surface water from draining. Despite efforts by the water company and council meetings, the problem persisted. Since the tragedy, the council has installed new flood warning systems.
