MLA says support is still needed for businesses affected by flooding

South Down MLA Patrick Brown has written to the council’s Chief Executive Marie Ward to outline his party's proposals to support businesses hit by flooding last month. The Alliance proposals included dropping car parking charges in the run up to Christmas, establishing a pop up shop for flooded traders, providing mental health counselling to impacted businesses, establishing a local voucher scheme and providing rates relief. Brown also sought clarification on the eligibility criteria for the £7,500 grant scheme, as the current criteria have left several severely affected businesses, charities, and organisations ineligible for the grant. 

This week council announced that car parking charges for each Saturday in the run up to Christmas will be dropped in all council owned off-street parking facilities in Downpatrick, Newry and Ballynahinch. Last weekend the Downpatrick Community Collective also organised a successful pop up shop as part of the Christmas light switch on and rates relief has been included in the flood recovery fund. 

Brown said, ‘I am pleased to see that many of our proposals have been moved forward by council and community initiatives. The decision to drop car park charges on weekends in the run-up to Christmas is particularly welcomed as it will hopefully encourage shoppers into our local high streets during the festive season. Alliance councillor David Lee-Surginor (Rowallane) also tabled a motion for the council to explore a local gift card scheme, similar to those implemented in Enniskillen and Ballymena.'’

He added, ‘Unfortunately mental health counselling is absent from any flood recovery support. Many business owners and residents suffered significant trauma from the catastrophic flooding events and I will be advocating for the implementation of counselling services as swiftly as possible.’

‘Furthermore, I am disappointed to hear that many businesses, charities and other organisations hit by the flooding will not receive the £7,500. This is very challenging for all involved and I have requested council for the criteria that was set by HM Treasury in order to make representations to the Northern Ireland Office to outline the flaws of this criteria.’