Tory hears of flood concerns
Conservative candidate for Sitrling Stephen Kerr met rural area councillors in Aberfoyle to discuss the village’s flooding issues.
Mr Kerr and councillors Martin Earl and Jeremy McDonald spoke about the need for an effective flood prevention scheme to protect the area.
Stirling Council has, after extensive consultation and investigation, concluded that an original scheme proposed for the town would not be cost effective as it would only protect the area from minor flood events and would not have prevented recent serious flooding.
Using the consultants Mouchel, the council has proposed a prevention scheme that would cost an estimated £5 million but afford a much higher degree of protection.
This scheme was agreed as the preferred option at a meeting of the council’s environment and housing committee recently, with further consultation to be held. In the 2017-18 council budget, half the estimated cost of the scheme was been allocated.
Aberfoyle has previously not qualified for Scottish Government support funding due to the cost/benefit criteria applied, however it was agreed that council officers would investigate all potential sources of funding to match the council’s allocation.
Mr Kerr said: “This is exactly the type of issue that a proactive, engaged MP should be making a priority.
“It is imperative that the scheme, with community approval, can progress to provide confidence to the businesses, protect householders and safeguard the primary school.
“Effective flood prevention will encourage investment and be a catalyst for regeneration.
“The council is prepared to allocate half the cost out of a shrinking budget but Holyrood’s criteria discounts small towns like Aberfoyle from funding.
“That is not fair. Given the opportunity on June 8 I would seek UK Government funding and put pressure on Scottish ministers to contribute.”
Councillor Earl said: “We really need an MP that will get stuck in to this issue , as well as many others across the ward, and start making a difference.”
Councillor McDonald added: “This was raised a lot on the doorsteps during the recent local elections. Aberfoyle cannot afford another significant flood , businesses are struggling already and I would welcome an MP that understands the importance of this issue.”