BRECHINERS living in the City's River Street are hoping the announcement this week of a far-reaching consultation on outdated flood prevention techniques may, at long last, assist them in their attempts to keep their homes dry when the River South Esk next spills over.
Brechin Community Council Leader Douglas Murray said: "I wrote to the Executive a few weeks ago in relation to this and will be looking into it further. At that time, I was told an announcement would be made shortly on the proposal.
"If this he
lps to solve the problems that residents in River Street have had for generations, then obviously we would welcome it. But it's far too early to see what the impact of the consultation will be.
"Only this week this week the Brechin Business Association discussed flooding and specifically the removal of the gravel bank, which basically ran the whole length of River Street. I have held discussions with Dalhousie Estates regarding to this particular issue and found them to be very responsible in the way they want to move forward .
"We'll see what the consultation brings, but I have a feeling there are other issues as far as River Street is concerned, which will have to be overcome, before the flooding is prevented completely.
"This is undoubtedley however a step in the right direction.
"However, during the last major incidence when River Street residents were evacuated, as far as I am aware, no assistance, or offer, was extended to residents of the East Mill Road Caravan Site, a number of whom were surrounded in their caravans by up to 800mm of contaminated water due to surcharging of the main sewers in the area. The Caravan site is the first area to be affected by any rise in water levels, and as shown during the month of January this year, they were in danger of a repeat, albeit not to the extent as previous.
"I am not aware of any SEPA flood warning being in place during this time, therefore the information available to residents is extremely limited.
"As has been repeatedly advised to other officials within Angus Council, the River in itself does not flood directly onto the Caravan Site and surrounding businesses. The inadequacy of main sewers in the area, and or the capacity of the pumping stations downstream, does not enable sufficient flows to be discharged to the River.
"The proposed Brechin Flood Prevention Scheme would only allow some relief to residents of River Street, and it could be contended that it would actually aggravate the circumstances of those within the caravan site, and as has been previously indicated, they appear to have been ignored altogether. Both the site and residents, pay Business and Council taxes, and should therefore be afforded the same degree of service as others in the area.
"Residents within the Caravan Site, are by the nature of the construction of such homes, more at risk through sewerage, electrical and gas supplies having to be disconnected, than any residents within the more modern housing along River Street.
"On a technical issue, the removal of shingle from the river would lessen levels, and also allow water to be spread over a greater area within the river itself. This should, to a certain extent, allow a more efficient and faster discharge from the sewers."
MSP for North Tayside and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, welcomed the Scottish Government's publication of a consultation designed to address the issue of flooding in Scotland.
Like River Street, many rural parts of Perthshire and Angus are regularly at risk from flooding and Mr Swinney believes the steps taken by the Environment Minister Mike Russell will assist in putting in place a joined-up policy to address the issue for the long-term.
Mr Swinney said:"I am delighted that this Government is taking huge steps forward in addressing the issue of flooding. It is a huge concern for many people in my constituency, particularly in the rural parts of Perthshire and Angus, and it is a topic regularly raised with me by constituents.
"The commitment from the Government to deliver a cohesive policy on flooding, which will essentially be much more direct and effective in implementing flood-prevention measures, will ensure that the long term safety of homes and communities are taken into account when making decisions on how best to decrease the risk of flooding.
"The consultation is also an excellent opportunity for those members of the public who have been affected by flooding to have their say on the matter.
"I am certain that when the Flooding Bill comes to the Scottish Parliament later this year that we will have the potential to deliver a policy which will make regular flooding in communities, affecting homes and businesses, a thing of the past."
"By putting in place a long-term strategy we will ensure that future generations do not suffer from the absence of a joined-up policy, as has been demonstrated by the many people affected by flooding in the last few years."
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:"The proposals will help deliver flood risk management for the 21st century, to better protect vulnerable communities from the increased risk of flooding.
"Climate change has seen flooding become an increasingly regular threat to communities around Scotland, and the outdated 1960s legislation we have at present is no longer fit to tackle this growing danger.
"By streamlining the flood risk management process, we aim to ensure that a modern and sustainable approach is in place across Scotland. This will help to simplify and speed up flood protection measures.
"This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to contribute on the way forward for flood risk management in Scotland. I am looking for views from members of the public, industry experts and local authorities to help inform the future Flooding Bill."
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