Blueprint holds out hope for villagers facing threat of new flood destruction

Council backs £24m project for diversions and to bolster riverbanks

A vital £24 million flood defence in a Perthshire village is a step closer to being built.

Councillors have signed off on proposals for the Comrie flood protection after lengthy consultations with residents.

The Strathearn village has been tormented by flooding from the three watercourses that dissect the tourism hotspot.

The Water of Ruchill, River Earn and River Lednock have a history of surging into the village, leaving destruction in their wake in 2012 and 2015.

Councillors want work to get under way as early as 2022 on the construction project, which could take a year-and-a-half to complete.

The blueprints, which were passed unanimously by elected members on Wednesday, include public utility diversions, measures to protect against riverbank erosion, and landscaping, built across land belonging to more than 50 different parties.

However, after a string of exhibitions and meetings with villagers, two objections remain lodged against the plans.

One complaint concerns part of the scheme being built in a resident’s garden, while the other seeks further general consultation.

The scheme will now be referred either to Scottish Government ministers, which can set a public local inquiry, or the council for a hearing.

Should plans be signed off at this stage, detailed designs can be drawn up and council officers will begin procurement work.

Strathearn councillor Roz McCall said: “If the water fall hits with increased rain as a result of global warming, Comrie could go from being one of the most stunning and picturesque towns in the world to underwater chaos.”

In at the deep end . . . firefighters evacuate residents from houses on Glebe Road, Comrie, in 2012.