Councillor calls for action on problem

Mr Baxter, who serves as Mayor of Craigavon, fetched his umbrella and took to the streets to survey some of the worst affected areas and his findings have prompted him to make a plea to both the Department of Regional Development and NI Water.

He said: “I become increasingly frustrated year on year at this problem and the lack of foresight by DRD and NI Water especially in our rural areas.

“On speaking to officials I’m told that drains become blocked with leaves thus rendering the system unable to cope if there any significant falls of rain.

“Given the fact that October and November are historically our two wettest months I think it is a serious failing and lack of foresight on behalf of these agencies involved not to have plans in place to combat this problem.”

Mr Baxter added: “I took a drive round both villages at the weekend and there were numerous floods at the usual hotspots. To be frank I’m sick, sore and tired of reporting these problems.”