A multi-million pound project to protect Brechin from flooding has taken a major step forward with Scottish Ministers approving the scheme in principle.
The Brechin Flood Prevention Scheme is designed to provide a ‘1 in 200 year’ level of protection to the residents along the banks of the River South Esk.
The project is estimated to cost more than £14 million and relied on securing funds from the Scottish Government.
The news comes almost a year on from people in the town being forced to leave their homes after the South Esk burst its banks last Christmas.
The council is to submit an application to the Scottish Government for funding to cover the majority of the cost of the project and, if this is successful, expects work to start on site in January 2015, with completion by March 2016.
Brechin councillor Mairi Evans said: “I am delighted that the Government has recognised how essential this scheme is and given its approval. We’ve been waiting on this happening for such a long time.
“Last Christmas the environment minister Paul Wheelhouse came to Brechin after the flooding. He took a walk around the town and saw where the flood prevention scheme would be. He knows how serious the problem is.
“This news doesn’t quite mean that we’ve got the funding yet, but it’s a massive step forward. The next step will be obtaining grant funding.”
The work will consist of earth bunds to raise the embankments around the town’s leisure centre at East Mill Road and a wall on River Street.
Existing drainage and culverts will be upgraded. A number of environmental improvements are proposed as part of the programme of works, including enhancements and road resurfacing along River Street.
To keep the community updated, the council has now issued information packs and a display on the scheme has been put up in Brechin Library.
Notices have also been displayed at locations in Brechin, attached to lamp posts in River Street and East Mill Road.
Earlier this year, Angus Council approved £2.6 million from its capital budget towards the scheme.
Brechin councillor Bob Myles added: “It’s very encouraging that the Scottish Government would approve the scheme.
“I just hope the council is able to get the rest of the funding in place as we’ve seen several false dawns before.”