The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Flood protection update
Findings: Event featuring study results will give public their say on plans
The next step to make sure Ellon is bolstered against severe floods will take place next month.
A public event is being held to update people on the progress with the flood protection plan.
Dozens of homes were badly damaged at the start of 2016 when the River Ythan burst its banks after the severe weather brought on by Storm Frank.
Properties in the surrounding areas were also impacted as were residents in Inverurie and
“I’d encourage anyone who has an interest to come along”
Insch when rivers and streams overflowed.
Late last year Aberdeenshire Council enlisted Dougall Baillie Associates and JBA Consulting to carry out a flood appraisal study.
They will now present their findings and give the public the chance to have their say on the results.
Community council vice-chairman Mike Morton said: “The floods in 2016 impacted numerous families in and around the Ythan area.
“It also affected Insch and Inverurie so if you take them into account there were scores of families affected.
“Nobody, including the community council, has seen these results and they will clearly affect a lot of people.”
Similar studies are also being carried out in the Port Elphinstone, Inverurie and Insch areas.
Ellon and District councillor Richard Thomson urged everyone who could make it to the event to attend. He said: “The floods that hit Ellon were absolutely devastating. It’s important that when putting t o g e t h e r a f l o o d prevention plan that everything has been considered properly and everyone is as happy as possible with what’s being proposed.
“This public engagement event is an important milestone in this process and I would encourage anyone who has an interest to come along and look at the plans and to contribute any views they may have.”
The event takes place on December 3, from 7-9pm at Ellon Academy.