South Down SDLP MLA Seán Rogers and local Councillor Laura Devlin met with NI Water on site at Burrendale Park Road, Newcastle, to discuss the recurrent and devastating effects of localised flooding.
Mr Rogers said: “Some local residents here have been plagued by flooding for years. Although this problem appears to have worsened in recent times. This can go on no longer… some residents are actually living in fear as not only does the flood water cause damage but sewerage has also affected some residents.
“I understand that it is a combination of a number of issues – the combined sewer needs upgraded and the storm sewerage is overwhelmed.
“Mouchel Consulting have recently drawn up a report on the matter but the wider issue will take a number of months as it will be a major scheme possibly running into millions.
“In the meantime, NI Water has agreed to attend individual homes which are worst affected and carry out some exploratory work with a view to ascertaining what can be done in the interim to protect these properties.”
Cllr Laura Devlin added: “I welcome this response and hope that in some way something can be done to ease the pressure on these residents in the meantime. No one should have to live in fear of heavy rainfall.”
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