30 November 2009

Local MP Gordon Banks has called for increased spending to make flood prevention a top priority to reduce the exposure to flooding of residents across Scotland.

 As the winter weather sets in towns and communities across Scotland are already experiencing the devastating effects of flooding.  Due to a tight funding settlement from the Scottish Government, many Councils are complaining at lack of resources with flooding being one area expected to be hit.

Kinross is one area badly affected in Banks’ Ochil & South Perthshire constituency and the MP has been working closely with residents and businesses who are badly affected on an annual basis.

MP Gordon Banks said -

"Once again residents in Kinross have experienced the threat of flooding and it appears that a substantial area of the town is at risk.  Whilst I support the Council in their responses to me over the last few years on this matter and their decision to carry out a flood risk analysis, this is a long term solution.

“Residents in the area of the Queich and Gelly burn also need some short term measures to reduce the risk to their properties.”

“It simply can’t be good enough to say nothing can be done in the short term.  Funding is required from the Scottish Government to ensure that no family has to experience the terrible effects of flooding.  I applaud the action that Gordon Brown has taken in Cumbria by offering financial support to the area and would hope this could be replicated in Scotland.”

“Being able to see the threat of flooding in the area a few days ago was important and I thank the Council for attending at short notice but I urge both SEPA and Perth and Kinross Council to take some positive short term action."

"The flooding of a home is a very distressing time for any family and we must recognise the devastating impact such an event can have."

“After floods in Milnathort in recent years I know residents still live in fear of a recurrence of flooding, so the impact does not recede with the water!.”