East Belfast DUP MLA has called for profits announced by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to be invested in infrastructure improvements within East Belfast.

This area has suffered a number of serious flooding incidents in recent years.

Mr Robert Newton said: "East Belfast, with its frequent flooding problems, deserves to secure a major part of this investment. The east of the city urgently needs a large financial outlay to renew the sewerage and rain water systems. Practical help is also required for the individual householders. Investing in the infrastructure is absolutely necessary to solve the flooding problems but householders also need assistance with flood defence systems as a short term measure. There are many products on the market that help protect front and rear doors and shields to stop water entering property via the low level air vents. NIW needs to give thought to these short-term type of protection measures to give residents some comfort and confidence.

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"The bad flooding over the past few summers, a once in 100 years we were initially told, has hit East Belfast hardest. The flood areas are well recorded and it is these areas that deserve top investment priority. East Belfast residents become worried every time there is a major downpour. It is heartbreaking to visit homes with young children, or senior citizens who have been completely flooded out. Listening as they relay their experiences and the inability to stop the flood waters is extremely distressing."

(CD/GK)