Councillors urge long-term plan in face of climate change effects

Perth councillors have called for a longterm plan to combat flooding in city centre areas after seeing a rise in the number of cases in recent years.

Councillors Sheila McCole and John Rebbeck want the local authority to act now in the face of the climate emergency which they believe is causing the frequency of floods to increase.

Both politicians saw extensive damage to their wards during last week’s storms with the Cherrybank area and Jeanfield Cemetery, which straddles the two areas, both badly affected.

Ms McCole visited residents in the Low Road and Cherrybank areas, where residents had suffered severe water damage and oil spills contaminating their gardens.

Ms McCole, SNP councillor for Perth City South, said: “Residents have told me that flooding incidents are occurring with increased frequency, and there is considerable concern that climate change is resulting in changing weather patterns, putting this area at risk of more frequent flooding in the future.

“I believe a more pro-active and joined-up approach is required to address both current infrastructure challenges, and to mitigate against future risk arising from the climate emergency.”

Her colleague for Perth City North, John Rebbeck, said: “I have constituents who are living with a constant fear of being flooded and who have regrettably been flooded on multiple occasions over the years.”

Willie Wilson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Perth City South, also visited the area and said council staff were working hard to repair damage.

He said: “I fully appreciate how devastating this is.”

Residents have told me that flooding incidents are occurring with increased frequency. COUNCILLOR SHEILA MCCOLE