Lower Ormeau residents demand compensation

Residents affected by the flooding in the Lower Ormeau area of south Belfast are demanding compensation from Stormont.

Around 160 homes in the area were badly damaged by flood waters and sewage reflux caused by heavy rain.

Residents are angry that Housing Executive tenants have already received new furniture to replace that damaged in the floods, but those with private house insurance are still waiting for compensation.

Residents are taking the issue to Stormont on Monday and south Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey has written to the Department for Regional Development to urge them to ensure that the issue of liability is dealt with "immediately."

Councillor Maskey said: "This is a vitally important question given that the issue of compensation for residents cannot be resolved until this issue is dealt with. It is unacceptable that, two weeks before Christmas, residents are facing considerable hardship."

While the Water Service has promised a report into the flooding, a spokesperson said that no compensation could be paid without a "proper" investigation.

Residents are planning a protest at Stormont on Monday morning.

(SP/KMcA)