Scottish Water to investigate Montrose flooding
Scottish Water is to carry out an investigation in a bid to resolve a severe flooding problem that Montrose residents say goes back over 35 years.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 26.07.11
- Published online : 26.07.11 @ 09.34am
Two areas of the town suffered severe flooding at the start of July, which raised serious concerns among residents and businesses.
They have called on Scottish Water to finally resolve the situation in the interests of the health and safety.
Local councillor Mark Salmond called for an urgent meeting with Scottish Water and Angus Council roads officials to identify a long-term solution to the problems.
"Aulton Way and Blackfriars Street in Montrose suffered severe flooding, which caused great alarm to the residents in Aulton Way and the business owners in Blackfriars Street," Mr Salmond said.
"I invited Councillor Paul Valentine to join me at the meeting last Friday with local residents and officials. We had a very frank and informative meeting with the residents, who left us all under no illusion that they expected action to resolve this problem which they advised us went back over 35 years."
Residents of Aulton Way have complained for many years that heavy rain causes the street to flood with sewer water. Some say used toilet paper, condoms and human waste have all been pumped into the street when there is a severe downpour.
In the last few years there has been much more intense rain over prolonged periods, resulting in more flooding in the area.
Mr Salmond added, "I am grateful to Scottish Water for agreeing to my request to carry out investigative works in the wider area of Aulton Way to establish whether or not there are any blockages which may be causing the water to back up and then consequently flood the area.
"Scottish Water assured us that the works should start as early as this week.
"Aulton Way residents are looking for answers and support from Angus Council and I have agreed to liaise with the different Angus Council officials to ensure their voices are heard in Angus Council and keep them updated on the results of the Scottish Water investigations, and also provide them with emergency contact numbers for assist- ance in any future flooding incidents."
Shock
Mr Salmond, council road staff and Scottish Water officials also visited Blackfriars Street, where severe flooding has affected Ian Guthrie Motors and Kevin Dey Motors twice in the last five weeks.
"This area of Montrose is not normally prone to flooding, so it came as quite a shock to the local business owners."
At Ian Guthrie's, when it was seen how much rain was falling, staff became concerned and precautions were taken to keep perishables at a sensible height off the ground.
At its worst, the water was eight to 10 inches deep at Kevin Dey's garage.
Council staff attended garage premises to assist Tayside Fire and Rescue in the efforts to deal with the flooding there.
As there was evidence of sewer effluent as well as rainwater flooding, Scottish Water was contacted to deal with the problem in the waste water system.
It was the second time in recent months that Mr Guthrie has suffered substantial flooding and it is feared there may be a drainage problem in the area.
Mr Salmond said, "Scottish Water have also agreed to carry out investigative work in this area of Montrose to establish that the sewers are flowing at 100% capacity.
"Scottish Water have indicated that they are confident of solving the Blackfriars Street problem quite quickly and I hope this is the case.
"Scottish Water sometimes gets a bad press for its customer services, but in this instance they have been proactive and positive to my requests and I intend to ensure that they keep their promises to the Montrose residents."
An investigation into flooding problems on one of the main routes into Montrose was recently carried out following complaints made by residents.
Stretches of the A92, particularly around Condor Crescent, are prone to heavy flooding during prolonged rainfall, posing a safety hazard to vehicles entering and leaving the town.
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