A river of water races past Bartley Murphy’s bar in Downpatrick

FURIOUS traders have been left counting the cost after heavy flooded their business on Wednesday morning.

Police said driving conditions were treacherous in Market Street and the Ballydugan Road areas of the town.

Drivers have been warned to take extra care because of the surface water on the roads.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said on Wednesday morning: “NI Water needs to provide clarification to traders in Downpatrick why system failed last night.

“It needs to put measures in place to ensure it never happens again.”’

Bartley Murphy of Murphy’s bar said he arrived at work to find 2 ft of water in the building.”It is horrendous. The sewage is on the floor now.

“This happens twice a year. Where is the contingency plan? I have phoned the water board, the police and environmental health. Where are they?”

“The DoE should be here helping the traders. There is a dry cleaner’s shop with wedding dresses… he has six inches of water in the shop.”

Another trader said the water was up to 1 ft (30 cm) deep in his shop.

“I am just sick to the teeth of this,” he said.