Robin Newton MBE MLA

ROBIN Newton East Belfast DUP MLA. said he has written to the Department for Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy pleading the case for some short-term temporary functional support for flood victims. There are many products on the market that help protect front and rear doors and shields to stop water getting into air vents. Minister Kennedy must give consideration to these types of products to offer residents protection. Robin Newton said,
 
“The flooding as before in East Belfast followed a regular pattern with all the usual flood hot spots being affected. The longer term solution to the problems must be found but this will require major investment, construction and engineering. East Belfast flood victims can no longer wait until the money is found and all the engineering solutions are worked out to see some action.
 
This summer’s weather has proven to be even worse than past summers and residents are worried every time there is a downpour. It is heartbreaking to visit homes with young children, or elderly residents especially who have been completely flooded out. Listening as they relay their experiences and the inability to stop the flood waters is extremely distressing.
 
The Minister must give consideration to temporary and relatively low-cost actions to give confidence and an assurance to residents that all that can be done to help them is being done."