River designated as watercourse following flood

The designation of this watercourse by Rivers Agency will mean regular inspections and maintenance will take place to reduce blockages and other potential causes of flooding.

“Since June I have had ongoing representations with Rivers Agency, Northern Ireland Water and Roads Service regarding the causes of the flooding which took place in Parkland Avenue,” said Mr Givan. “Following correspondence with Rivers Agency, it became apparent that responsibility for maintenance of the watercourse at Parkland should be with the agency and not landowners.

“As such a formal submission was made to the Drainage Council in order to designate the maintenance of the watercourse to Rivers Agency. The successful outcome of this submission means that residents will benefit from Rivers Agency conducting inspections to the stream. In addition, a storm grille prior to the piped culvert has been upgraded to category A status which will see weekly checks for blockages.

“It has taken some time to reach this point,” continued Mr Givan, “however, this should greatly ease the pressure on residents who were concerned about having responsibility being placed upon them.

“I am also pleased that Rivers Agency are also in discussion with Northern Ireland Water to ascertain what works could be done to the reservoir at Boomers to manage the flow of water along the natural watercourse to reduce the potential of future flooding in Parkland Avenue,” he concluded.