The Rivers Agency has been heavily criticised after refusing to invest in flood defences in Newtownards.

Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong said there was "clear evidence" of thousands of pounds of flood damage at the Ards Peninsula.

However, the Rivers Agency has confirmed not enough properties were affected, therefore there is no further investment.

Councillor Armstrong said: "So much for DARD's commitment to rural proofing policy to ensure rural dwellers are not adversely impacted. Minister O'Neill's criteria confirms you need to have a more densely populated area flooded before Rivers Agency's calculations will allow coastal defences to be improved.

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"Locals cannot get household insurance because of flooding. Our local residents are out thousands of pounds putting right the damage caused by flooding. Despite evidence that the community needs help Rivers Agency simply say 'calculation says no'. When asked if the calculation included rural proofing Rivers Agency again said 'no'.

"It's time for the Minister to make good on her commitment to roll-out rural proofing policies within her own Department. I extend an open invitation for the Minister to come to the Ards Peninsula to speak to business and home owners impacted by flooding. She can tell them to their faces they are not economically viable."

(CD/JP)