CULVERT CALL ON FLOODING
Retired architect says redesign would solve issue
A retired architect living in Rattray has called for improvements to be made to a culvert on Parkhill Road which he believes will help to alleviate flooding.
Angus Macdonald contacted the Blairie after heavy rainfall caused alarm on Thursday, November 17, and the next day.
Mr Macdonald said: “This flooding has been going on for years, long before the Springfield developments or global warming have come to the fore. So what can be done? Obviously, redesign and construct an improved culvert so that the Rattray Burn flows and discharges through its natural course to the rear of the houses on Back Wynd, under the High Street and down the hill east of the church and Kirkton Road, which is shown on old maps of the area.”
Mr Macdonald’s call comes in the same week that Perth and Kinross Council confirmed a surface water management plan for Blairgowrie and Rattray is now under way.
A retired architect living in Rattray has called for improvements to be made to a culvert on Parkhill Road which he believes will help to alleviate flooding in the area.
Angus Macdonald contacted the Blairie after the most recent incident of flooding in the area, which followed heavy rainfall on Thursday, November 17, and Friday, November 18.
He said: “The Community Resilience Group did good work in organising sand bags to divert the flood water recently.
“However, it is blatantly obvious that the root of the problem is the culvert at the bend in Parkhill Road and St Fink’s Road.
“This is clearly inadequate to deal with the contents of the Rattray Burn when it is in spate.
“Not only is there a huge flow of water at these times of prolonged heavy rainfall but the flow brings down quantities of leaves, branches, gravel, stones and silt that quickly block the culvert leading to overflow onto the road and then onto Back Row, down School Field Road, Herdman Place, High Street, Honeyberry and New Road.
“Unless that culvert is improved, flooding will continue.
“It is unrealistic to expect the council to keep it clear.”
Mr Macdonald continued: “This flooding has been going on for years, long before the Springfield developments or global warming have come to the fore so has nothing to do with Springfield other than to say that Perth and Kinross Council missed an opportunity for putting a ‘planning gain’ condition on the Springfield planning consent.
“But we are where we are, so what can be done?
“Obviously, re-design and construct an improved culvert so that the Rattray Burn flows and discharges through its natural course to the rear of the houses on Back Wynd, under the High Street and down the hill east of the church and Kirkton Road, which is shown on old maps of the area.”
Mr Macdonald has previously raised the issue with local councillors for the ward, including at a meeting of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, following flooding last year.
He said: “A year ago, the local residents were told that the issue would be reviewed and that a full consultations would ensue.
“A year on, has anything been done? And if not, why not?
“If the culvert is properly dealt with, people running around with sandbags and flooded properties on a regular basis will be a thing of the past and we can all get on with the rest of our lives.”
The local authority confirmed to the Blairie on Monday this week that the longawaited surface water management plan for Blairgowrie and Rattray got under way last month and is currently due to be completed by the end of 2023, although that timescale may be subject to change.