Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has condemned the guidance issued by the SNP Scottish Government to Local Councils which states that local authorities are required to assess bodies of water with their boundaries ‘from time to time’.
The Strathearn based MSP has called on a clear annual inspection programme to be put in place with month publication of the inspections which have taken place.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“It is totally unacceptable that neither the SNP Scottish Government or local Councils seem to know what the guidance on inspecting flood prone bodies of water means.
“It is just over two years since Comrie suffered two incidents of flooding which resulted in 150 homes being flooded and more than 200 householders having to be evacuated.
“Approximately one in 22 of all residential properties and one in 13 of all non-residential or business properties in Scotland are classified as at risk from flooding and the average annual damages to homes, businesses and agriculture from all sources of flooding is estimated to be between £720 million and £850 million. Perhaps the greatest cost is the impact which flooding can have on families and it is clear from experiences across the country that key to helping those affected is the initial support provided.
“In Parliament I have called for a number of new measure to be put in place to help those affected. It is clear that local Councils have not learnt all the lessons from the aftermath of local flooding incidents and I have called on the Scottish Government to make clear how often flood prone bodies of water are being inspected.
“Across Strathearn and Perthshire and Kinross-shire there are a number of rivers and burns which have not been dredged in recent years including the Water of Ruchill at Comrie and the Barvick Burn in Creiff.
“I have been campaigning on flooding issues since I was elected to Parliament and I believe it is important that lessons are learnt from what is some of the worst flooding we have seen in the UK for generations and how improvements can be made to how we respond to flooding in Scotland in the future.
“I welcome the fact that the Environment Minister has said that new guidance on the issue of clearance and repair works is currently being prepared but we need to see real action and a clear inspection programme to protect communities and homes and businesses.”