Argyll seeks storm funding
kgriffiths@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk
Argyll and Bute Council is lobbying the Scottish Government to get support for households and businesses affected by October’s extreme weather.
This follows a Scottish Government announcement of financial support for areas elsewhere in Scotland recovering from the flooding impact of Storm Babet.
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “The severe weather that had, and continues to have, such an impact in Argyll and Bute was not part of Storm Babet. However, its consequences are just as significant. Many of our communities and businesses are facing the same challenges as a result and deserve the same level of national support as other areas.”
Councillor Currie has thanked the businesses which responded to a survey the council carried out, about the issues the weather is having.
“We will use what you tell us to strengthen the case for national support and for sourcing additional potential funders.
“We can offer free advice and information through our Business Gateway service but as a council, we are not, unfortunately, in a position to provide the financial support many need.
We will therefore do all we can to find other possible routes for funding.” “With roads and bridges affected by the weather, findings from the survey highlight issues such as difficulties in getting supplies and staff to places of work, loss of custom, longer delivery times, and costs associated with flood recovery,” he said.
Various routes have since reopened, including the way in and out of Kilmelford after a new bridge had to be put in place.
After a landslip shut the A816 at Ardfern, the council’s target date for opening the emergency road is Saturday December 16, depending on the weather.
Work is progressing on stabilisation works at the C30 near Kilmaha on the West Loch Awe Road. It is hoped the route will be made safe by the end of December or early January. Currently, communities can gain access from either end but are unable to travel through. The diversion is A816 - A83 - A819 - A85 and vice versa.
To see what progress is being made on repairing others for reopening, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/service-status
The council is triggering the Scottish Government’s Bellwin Scheme to help with some of the infrastructure costs it is dealing with. This scheme does not provide for support for communities.
Free advice and information is available through Business Gateway services. The service can offer one-to-one support from business advisers and could potentially, if of use, put businesses in touch with one of its expert help advisers for support in particular aspects of business recovery. Call 01546 604555 or email business. gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
If a business premises has been forced to close, it is unable to trade and has a rating liability, and it can apply for unoccupied rates relief.
Please contact the business rates team on 01586 555249, email ndr@argyll-bute. gov.uk or visit https:// www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ business-and-licensing/ business-rates.