Downpatrick fighting back

Downpatrick fighting back

22 November 2023

THREE weeks after the devastating flood which decimated town centre businesses in Downpatrick, traders are fighting back.

Many shops and businesses have reopened by relocating, including Danske and Santander banks and the Post Office, while others have been cleared of debris in the wake of the flood when the Quoile river burst its banks and are trading.

The stoicism and resilience of a business community staring into the abyss when the town centre was under four feet of water at the start of the month has been nothing short of remarkable.

And the message is clear — Downpatrick is open for business.

Some businesses have opened pop-up shops and the togetherness traders displayed as flood water engulfed their businesses remains strong.

Every trader is wishing their neighbour in Market Street, St Patrick’s Square and St Patrick’s Avenue every good wish as the traditionally busy festive season approaches.

Last week, Shadow Secretary of State Hilary Benn met traders while a week earlier Lord Caine from the Northern Ireland Office was in town.

During his visit, Mr Benn spoke with business owners and took time to carefully listen and was empathetic after learning how the flood left a huge repair bill after it engulfed Downpatrick’s business heart.

He was moved listening to traders and said he wanted to be in Downpatrick and that amid all the damage and heartache, there was also so much resilience and a great determination to get trading again.

Mr Benn said it was also important that the financial help available gets to the business community as quickly as possible, adding: “The more residents who come into the town and shop with these businesses, the faster they will be able to get back on their feet.”

Downpatrick Lions Club are appealing to local people to support the business community more than ever this Christmas.

Club president, Seamus McMullan, said that at the heart of every thriving town is businesses and shops run by local people, providing employment, goods and services to the community. 

He said the recent floods had a “devastating impact” on the businesses community and that the run-up to Christmas couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“I urge everyone to come out and shop locally and often during this festive period and support our local businesses.”