Water is going on down in the town?
Demands for fail- safe to keep streets dry
Shops shut and sandbags were out as a giant pump meant to keep Troon safe from the sea failed.
A high tide fired into the drains, some of which are actually BELOW sea level, combined with rain.
It left traders in Portland Street all at sea and having to shut.
Tearooms closed and other businesses lost trade until the tide went out and the water subsided.
Town Councillor Peter Convery is now demanding investment in a new safety mechanism.
He said: “For our town to be prone to flooding like this in this day and age is not good enough.
“This has happened multiple times over the years and there is an issue.
“It is a busy water junction and should be a real priority for Scottish Water. About a week before the flood there were men at the right hand side of the pump house with diggers, but I don’t know if it was related.
“The Troon pump feeds to another at Barassie and then Meadowhead.”
Ayrshire Roads Alliance workers were called to the scene on January 2 as the flood- waters rose.
A Scottish Water spokesman admitted the pump - next to Sanderling Court in Barassie Street - failed. He said: “Flooding occurred on Jubilee Road in Troon following an operational issue with Pan Rocks Waste Water Pumping Station.
“Appropriate action was taken to get the pumping station operational as soon as possible, and a clean up operation under way.
“Scottish Water apologises for any inconvenience caused to local residents and businesses as a result and would like to thank them for their patience.”
Businesses in Portland Street had to shut and staff sent home, with one saying: “It is difficult enough attracting trade without this.
“The tides have been coming in and out here for eternity and it is time we have more protection.
“I just don’t think the status quo is good enough.”
David Grant, Chairman of Troon Business Association, was unavailable for comment.