Work begins on flood protection plan
Work is now underway at the Leggate in New Cumnock as part of the £ 4.7million Flood Protection Scheme.
Contractor Barhale Construction PLC has been appointed to construct phase one of the flood prevention works that will take in the region of 18 weeks to complete.
Preparatory works have already been completed on site including the diversion of a major high pressure water main. The water main diversion was a significant part of the project with the work being carried out by Innovative Utilities ( UK) Ltd.
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council, was joined at the Leggate by Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure; local elected members Councillors Billy Crawford, Jim McMahon, Jacqui Todd and Walter Young and representatives from the local community. Councillor Douglas Reid said: “The flood prevention works will protect the properties in the immediate vicinity of the Connel Burn from future flooding.
“The works will be a combination of engineering measures, earth embankments and reinforced concrete walls that have been specially designed to contain any flood waters within the Connel Burn. Our contractors will also be re- profiling the ground and the existing burn bank to allow excess waters to be redirected downstream of the Connel Burn Bridge.
“Once this phase of work is completed the Roads Maintenance Unit will adjust the profile of the B741 carriageway to complement the works.
“The flooding that they experienced in the past was devastating and we are committed to ensuring that homes are protected and safe by developing this extensive flood prevention scheme.”
Later this year, phase two of the works will start with flood prevention measures being installed along both banks of the Afton Water, New Cumnock that will protect homes on either side of the river.
Discussions are ongoing with the Statutory Undertakers and also with local landowners to ensure that all access permissions are agreed to allow construction work to go ahead as soon as is possible.