Businessman is critical as floods engulf his shop

Businessman is critical as floods engulf his shop

31 July 2013

A TORRENTIAL downpour which flooded a business at Downpatrick’s Lower Market Street on Monday has prompted beleaguered traders to demand an end to their “living nightmare.”

They have warned persistent flooding problems at this part of the town are threatening to ruin their businesses, with traders declaring they have had enough of mopping up every time there’s heavy rain.

Gallons of contaminated storm water poured out of street drains into Traynor’s Executive Cleaners which has suffered persistent flooding problems for the past two decades.

The owner of the business, Noel Traynor, said there have been two major flooding incidents at his premises since April this year

“Our business has been flooded to varying degrees over the past 20 years and I have no doubt that the next time there is a downpour similar to Monday’s we will be flooded again,” he said.

“If the downpour had occurred during the night things would have been much worse.

“The fact we were here allowed us to move items before the flood water engulfed the ground floor. But we were still left with a major clean-up operation.”

Mr. Traynor, who was assisted by staff from neighbouring businesses to brush the water out of the dry cleaners, said the Lower Market Street business has suffered five major floods.

“Every time something like this happens we have to mop out the place. The storm water mixed with sewage gets into the tiles and skirting board and the smell of dampness never leaves the shop,” he said.

“It is deeply frustrating that every time there is a heavy downpour businesses at this end of the town suffer the consequences and face a major clean-up operation. How much longer will this be allowed to continue?”

Bartley Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bar, said his staff were able to prevent floodwater from entering his premises. He said while NI Water says it intends to address the issue, that’s of little comfort to the Lower Market Street business community which is on tenterhooks every time there’s heavy rain.

A spokesman for Northern Ireland Water said it hopes to progress work on a £3m scheme designed to “significantly reduce” flooding problems at Lower Market Street as soon as possible.

It says the proposed investment has been approved and contractors have been appointed to carry out the work, with a spokesman suggesting Monday’s flood was a result of surface water “overwhelming the drainage and sewer network,” resulting in run off into the dry cleaners.

He said NI Water will fully investigate the cause of the incident, explaining staff were on site to lend assistance to affected customers.

“Loss adjusters from the company are also visiting the premises to assess the damage caused. NI Water regrets that damage has been sustained and sympathises with those customers affected,” the spokesman added.