Long backs flood homes cash and underlines need for responsive measures

3.41.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Jun 2007

Alliance Deputy Leader and East Belfast MLA, Naomi Long

Alliance Deputy Leader and East Belfast MLA, Naomi Long, has welcomed this afternoon's announcement on the package of financial assistance being provided for local people affected by Tuesday's devastating floods. She also stated that local authorities and government need to continue to be as responsive as possible during these ever-changing and challenging circumstances. It was announced that households affected by the floods will receive £1000.

Naomi Long MLA said: "We welcome these measures as a starting point. We need to learn the lessons of last few days, both as individuals and as elected representatives. This package at least provides an opportunity to give the people affected some respite and some much-deserved assistance.

"It is a practical response to a very practical problem. That is what effective government should be all about.

"This is the type of practical assistance that people in the areas affected have been telling me they want, throughout the week.

"Even as this announcement is being made, there are more areas being affect by new floods, and this response must not be static. Local authorities and government need to continue to be as responsive as possible during these ever-changing and extremely challenging circumstances."

ENDS