PKC looking at flooding response
Perth and Kinross Council has commissioned a report into the response to the flooding that hit the area last month after criticism from an MSP.
The region was plagued by floods on August 11 and 12 when a huge thunderstorm dumped a deluge of rain on residents.
Roseanna Cunningham, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, has written to the council asking for its assessment of the current flood defence measures.
She said: “There is absolutely no doubt that the level of rainfall experienced here in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire was extreme but that doesn’t take away from the difficulties and anguish experienced by those of my constituents whose properties were compromised by floodwaters.
“Firstly, I hope that there will be an acknowledgement that it is important to re-assess defences whenever an instance of this nature happens. With climate change, there is every chance that such extraordinary weather will become more frequent and we must ensure that flood management plans remain resilient.
“It would be extremely useful to know from the council that all possible steps were taken to prevent flooding.
“It has already been acknowledged that not all flood gates in Perth were shut early enough but we now need to know whether there were any other instances where the defences that are in place were not appropriately applied.”
But a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed a report had been commissioned and, once complete, it would“look at how best we engage with local communities including Perth South”.
They also defended the work the authority has done on flooding, saying:
“Our current priority is to investigate the extent of the flooding and why it happened. This is allowing us to focus on the homes and businesses that most require our help.
“The council continually assesses its existing flood defences and is proactively developing new flood defences. A major flood protection scheme was recently completed at
Almondbank which benefited residents during the storm. Plans are also underway for further schemes in Comrie, Milnathort and Kinross and we will be initiating plans for a further scheme on the Annaty Burn in Scone.
“The council has also been working with SEPA to develop the second cycle of flood risk management strategies and plans.”