Several local businesses have been left under water, with stock and equipment destroyed, premises badly damaged and no immediate access to sandbags or meaningful financial assistance. Many business owners are now facing significant losses with no clarity on how they are expected to recover.

Carla Lockhart MP said:

“This is a deeply worrying situation for businesses in our towns and villages. These are family run enterprises, local employers and the backbone of our communities, and they have been left completely exposed.

“Stock has had to be relocated with some damage, equipment destroyed and livelihoods put at risk. Business owners are telling me there were no sandbags available when needed and nowhere to turn for financial support at a time when they are already under immense pressure.

“I do welcome the opening of the domestic support scheme through local councils, which will provide some help for affected households. That is the right thing to do. However, businesses also need urgent and targeted support.”

The Upper Bann MP said the absence of a business support scheme risks business survival.

“While support for households is important, it does nothing for the small businesses that are facing thousands of pounds worth of damage today. These businesses are essential to the life and economy of our towns and villages, and they cannot be left behind.