Residents need help to beat the elements

Sir, – In the light of recent flooding in Perth I hope the local authorities and associated quangos are finally waking up to the fact that these are no longer “once in a lifetime”, “unprecedented” or “should never happen for 600 years” events.

We need to prepare, plan and deal with the consequences of not only global warming but ill thought out town planning and new housing developments putting a strain on ancient city centre drainage systems, not to mention decades of neglect in failing to maintain essential services like pipes, drains, rivers and buildings.

Instead of being obsessed with light shows, winter festivals and fancy murals, I am afraid the powers that be need to wake up to the fact that their main responsibilities are providing a safe and clean environment, a priority that needs to be met before they go wheeling and dealing with luxury hotel owners.

I find it incredulous that so many different organisations are able to pass the buck for these difficult situations.

Sepa seems to make a big deal of “protecting your property from flooding is your responsibility” but water does not respect boundaries, postcodes or sides of the street.

People could spend thousands protecting their property but if the authorities in the wider area are hell bent on increasing out of town housing, getting rid of fields and green spaces, not to mention the maintenance of rivers (I wonder what the wildlife in the lade thinks of the policy of not dredging?) then we are fighting a losing battle.

Instead of working on fancy leaflets, websites and associated meaningless literature (and that goes for a lot of areas) how about the local council actually starting working with Scottish Water – another quango that takes our council tax rates so the local council can shift responsibility and evade any blame – and Sepa and take these essential services seriously.

While they are at it they can start looking at other decisions and their conscience.

E Dalrymple. Barossa Street, Perth.