Statement by Cllr Timothy Gaston, TUV Deputy Mayor for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council:
“I was greatly impressed by the work done by the Ballymena Multi-Agency Flooding Group that was set up to look a high risk flooding areas within the Ballymena Council area. The benefit was that all key decision makers and experts were present, and got address issues a lot quicker.
“With this in mind while the new Mid and East Antrim Council were discussing a response to DRD’s consultation on Flood Management Plans, I made the case that the multi-agency group that operated in Ballymena should be incorporated into all areas due to the success it had.
“I am certain that a flooding group for the Mid and East Antrim would be useful for elected members in raising needs of their constituents in areas that are most at risk. With DRD cuts there is further risk in the future, and if we are pro-active we can reduce the risk as much as possible.
“I look forward to a positive response.”