Published Monday, 02 July 2012
Councillor Tommy Sandford delivers a hardship cheque to Mrs Rachel Turtle. (© Castlereagh Borough Council)
Belfast City Council has paid out just over £230,000 in hardship payments while Castlereagh Borough Council awarded £170'000 to residents in need.
By noon on Monday, 371 calls requesting emergency financial assistance had been received by the council in Castlereagh while in Belfast, by 4pm, 350 households were deemed eligible for financial help.
Councillor Tommy Sandford, the Deputy Mayor of Castlereagh, said that council staff worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to help residents.
"The Council appreciates that this is a difficult time for residents in the Borough with many experiencing substantial damage to their home by the recent floods and I would personally like to extend my thoughts and sympathy to those affected."
Residents can apply for emergency financial assistance by contacting the Council Offices in Castlereagh on 028 9049 4500 to arrange a compulsory home inspection by a Council Officer. Following the inspection, residents will be contacted directly and advised if they are eligible for payment.
Meanwhile, showering facilities are available free of charge for affected residents at Cregagh Community Centre and Lough Moss Leisure Centre.
The flooding has also affected the council owned leisure facilities.
Dundonald International Ice Bowl will remain closed until at least next Monday, however, the closure will be continually reviewed.
Castlereagh Borough Council telephone: 028 9049 4500
The council has advised that customers check the
ice bowl's website regularly for updates.
The Robinson Centre is open with the exception of the squash courts and studio classes.
All other leisure facilities were unaffected and remain open as normal.
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