Clearing up begins after flooding

The scene in Bangor during June's floods

Clearing up is under way after flash floods damaged homes across counties Armagh, Down and Antrim.

Water levels reached up to 5ft in some places. About 20 houses were damaged in scenes reminiscent of June's floods.

The M2 motorway was closed for a time between Greencastle and Sandyknowes afer the rain damaged a wall at the Colinbridge.

The Fire and Rescue Service said it was difficult to deal with the flooding, as drains and sewers were overflowing.

Area Commander Jim McCallum said: "The heavy rain lasted until about midnight. So over that period of time our crews were stretched.

"It was a fairly localised problem. Most of the flooding did occur in the south east and east of the province. Most of the crews there were commited for a time pumping out.

"The problem last night was that the drains and sewers were completely overflowing as well. So we couldn't pump water into there. It was quite difficult."

Insurance

Kevin Foxwell from Stone Bridge Meadows in Stoneyford said his neighbour's home had been flooded so often that it cannot be insured.

Standing in his neighbour's ruined house, he said: "This is about the sixth time this place has been flooded.

"This house in particular has been flooded for the fourth time. We cannot get insurance for this house at all. After two floods within the year, the insurance company rightly won't cover you.

"We need the problem fixed and we need the problem fixed sooner rather than later."