Thumbs up for £24m scheme Existing structures also set for upgrade
A new flood defence scheme worth £24 million is to be built in Comrie.
At a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment, enterprise and infrastructure committee on Wednesday, elected members unanimously agreed to create a flood defence scheme in the village by building flood walls and embankments.
The council had initially drawn up five options for the project and hired Mouchel consulting engineers to carry out a flood study of the area.
The group went on to recommend introducing £24m worth of flood walls and embankments,
The council agreed on the recommendation in the report presented to the committee.
The document said: “The proposed scheme includes the provision of approximately 3km of new flood walls and 1km of flood embankments along the Water of Ruchill, the River Earn and River Lednock river corridors.
“Some of the older flood defences on the Water of Ruchill will also require to be raised and refurbished in order to bring them up to modern standards and to extend their design life.”
The Scottish Government has already committed £19.7m to the project, with the council expected to make up the remaining £4.9m.
Peter Dickson, the council’s senior engineer for structures and flooding, told the council: “This option allows more traditional flood walls and embankments to keep out the water with 3km of flood walls, as well as raising the walled flood defences and maintaining access.
“This is the preferred option on the basis of feasibility and economic viability.”
The other options on the table included dredging the rivers and building a number of dams but the committee was advised these were too costly, with the most expensive option coming in at nearly £70m.
Councillor Angus Forbes questioned why Comrie Parish Church was not included in the proposed drawings, which was also asked by Strathearn ward councillor Roz McCall prior to the meeting.
Cllr Stewart Donaldson, who also represents the Strathearn ward, added this was an area of risk because of children playing nearby.
Mr Dickson said the ground was high enough above the water but added further studies would be undertaken.
Cllr Grant Laing joked: “The churches in the area rely on a higher authority than the local authority.”
Mr Dickson told the committee the designs will now be further developed.
It is estimated the project could take up to three years to complete.
Cllr Anne Jarvis said: “This is good news for the people of Comrie.” Emergency services on the scene during flooding in Comrie in 2012