Emergency centres open

Emergency rest centres have opened in Brechin and Forfar after a severe flood alert was issued, with residents told to take action now.

Latest reports suggest that up to 300 people might need to take refuge.

The evacuation sites at Brechin Community Campus and Angus House in Forfar opened after areas including Finavon, Tannadice and Brechin gave suffered severe flooding.

Police are visiting affected properties advising residents to evacuate to the centres or to stay with family and friends.

It is not known how many people are affected.

Transport is also being offered for anyone unable to reach a centre.

It comes after a severe flood alert was issued for parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

Rain battered Tayside and Fife yesterday, causing travel chaos, school closures and rescue missions.

A spokesperson for Angus Council said: “Police officers and volunteers are going door to door in the severe flood warning areas to advise residents to evacuate and that their properties may be at risk.

“People may prefer the option of staying with family or friends, but we want them to know that the rest centres are available to them until water levels fall to safer levels.”

They added: “Tayside Contracts are assisting to provide food and drink at Brechin Community Campus and Angus House and both will remain open, staffed and available until further notice.

“Brechin Community Campus will remain closed to other users on Saturday while other Angusalive venues will be open as usual.”

The council has issued the following advice for people attending the rest centres:

n Pack any medications or specific foods you may require, bring warm clothes and a change of clothes. You need to prepare to stay overnight;

n Pets are welcome but bring any food that they may require and keep them under control at all times;

n When you arrive at a rest centre, you will be asked to sign in and given a wristband;

n Advise the centre manager of any dietary requirements or allergies you have;

n If transport is required, this can be co-ordinated through a Police Scotland officer if they call at a resident’s address or by calling Angus Council on 07341 096613.

An amber warning for rain in parts of Angus and Perthshire was extended until 9pm last night while a yellow warning across the wider region was in place until midnight.