The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Poured into flood works
In wake of Storm Frank
back to its original state and doing some reinforcement as well so it is going to have some resilience to withstand the weather that comes this direction.
“The river has changed its course, its direction now. This gets us back to where we were before Storm Frank.
“For routine flooding, if you can do it that way, it is then going to have the resilience they need.
“If you look up Port Elphinstone, Kintore, Kemnay, other areas that have flooded, we are doing the same work there as well.
“We’re working with Sepa now doing some studies to look at what the longterm options are. We have got to take time to do that well.”
The work is going ahead despite calls from the Ballater Flood Group for the council to redesign the flood bank, taking account of the Dee’s changed river channel.
Responding to the concerns of the Ballater Flood Group, Mr Savege said: “I think there are a lot of different experts out there and we do take account of their views.
“We have worked on this with Sepa, we are happy with the work we are doing, that is why we are doing it.
“We understand their anxiety and wanting to have the best protection the community can have.
“We absolutely respect their views, take them into account, and then made a judgment to get on with work.”
On meeting the Queen for the first time, Mr Savage said: “It was a very special moment meeting the Queen and her taking the time to come and meet the community and staff and give recognition on all the hard work that has taken place, and to take a personal interest in the community.” An Aberdeenshire flood victim said the Queen was taken aback when told her family was yet to move back into their ruined home.
Josephine Hazley will not be home in her property on Ballater’s Victoria Road until next year following the damage caused by Storm Frank.
The mother-of-five and her husband, Stephen, were visiting family in Ireland when they received a phone call to tell them their home had been flooded on December 30 last year.
She said it was a “privilege” to meet the monarch in Glemuick Parish Church yesterday.
Mrs Hazley said: “There are a few residents returning home. Unfortunately there are quite a few homes there still unhabitable.
“The Queen, I think, was a bit surprised we weren’t back home yet and she asked about the damage and seemed genuinely concerned.
“She asked about the damage and how traumatic an experience it was. I am very privileged and honoured that she has come to speak to us all. You go through spells of feeling quite low.
“We lost photographs, things like cards I kept belonging to the children, there was a lot of very nostalgic possessions. I did shed a lot of tears.
“We’d love to return to our family home for Christmas but I don’t think that is going to happen.
“However I do try to be patient and understanding. I realise there are lots of people who have been affected in our village and other places throughout Scotland.”
Mrs Hazley praised the community for rallying around, and said she was sure the Queen had noticed the special bond.
She added: “There has always been a fantastic community spirit here. Sometimes out of crisis comes good. In all honesty the village now seems to have a closer bond. I think she did recognise it is something very special.
“We couldn’t have got through this without the help we have received from the church, from the local voluntary organisations and local residents.”