Severe flooding has caused widespread damage across parts of Upper Bann, leaving community facilities and local businesses facing an uncertain and costly recovery.
Among the worst affected is Donacloney Mill Cricket Club, where rising floodwaters have submerged the ground and facilities.
Alderman Mark Baxter described the scenes as “absolutely devastating”, warning that the full extent of the damage will not be known until water levels recede.
“The ground and facilities are completely flooded and the true impact on the club won’t be known until the water fully subsides,” he said. “What we can say already is that this is a huge blow to a club that means so much to our local community.”
Alderman Baxter said his thoughts were with the volunteers, players and supporters now facing “an anxious wait and a big clean-up ahead”, adding that he would remain in contact with the club and offer support as the situation becomes clearer. He also urged the public to stay safe and avoid the area while flooding persists.
Meanwhile, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial assistance for businesses across the constituency that have been badly impacted by the flooding.
A number of businesses in towns and villages have been left under water, with stock and equipment destroyed and premises severely damaged. Ms Lockhart said many business owners reported there were no sandbags available when flooding struck and no immediate access to meaningful financial support.
“This is a deeply worrying situation for businesses in our towns and villages,” she said.
“These are family-run enterprises, local employers and the backbone of our communities, and they have been left completely exposed.”
While welcoming the opening of a domestic support scheme through local councils to assist affected households, the MP said the lack of a parallel scheme for businesses put their survival at risk.
“While support for households is important, it does nothing for the small businesses that are facing thousands of pounds worth of damage today,” she said.
“These businesses are essential to the life and economy of our towns and villages, and they cannot be left behind.”
Ms Lockhart said she had formally called on the Finance Minister to make emergency funding available for businesses without delay, as had been done during previous flooding incidents.
“These businesses are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for practical, timely help,” she added. “Immediate financial support is needed now to help them recover and keep their doors open.”
