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Scottish Government urged to release funds for Alyth flooding victims

Locals have spent days tackling the clean-up operation themselves.
Locals have spent days tackling the clean-up operation themselves.

Scottish ministers are being urged to grant emergency financial aid to help support Alyth flood victims.

Perth and Kinross Council has asked the Scottish Government to investigate using the Bellwin Scheme, a fund made available to local authorities in the aftermath of large-scale disasters.

Money from the discretionary plan was previously made available to the Perth area in 1993 when torrential rain and rapid snow-melt triggered the region’s worst flooding for nearly 200 years.

Millions of pounds worth of damage was caused to properties last Friday morning, when Alyth Burn burst its banks and swamped most of the town.

Many people who have been forced from their homes and businesses have been told they may not be able to return for several months.

Over the last week, residents have been out in force clearing fallen trees, branches and other debris. Locals have been working tirelessly, using diggers, tractors and cranes to clear the area.

Donations of food packages and clothing also continue to be handed in to volunteers at the town hall.

On Thursday, Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary John Swinney announced he had activated the Bellwin Scheme and said he will consider all eligible expenditure, if any formal claim is submitted by the council.

There is no automatic entitlement to assistance, and local authorities are expected to include a small amount within their annual budget to deal with unforeseen emergencies. This amounts to almost £650,000 for Perth and Kinross Council.

Mr Swinney, who is MSP for Perthshire North, said: “Sepa, Transport Scotland, local authorities and the emergency services work together to help local communities and businesses respond to the disruption and damage of flooding and the Scottish Government is closely engaged and ready to further support this work if required.

“This Government is committed to helping communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“I have today agreed to activate the Bellwin Scheme, which provides support to local authorities to assist with the immediate and unforeseen costs of dealing with the latest flood damage.”

Meanwhile, Mr Swinney will host a special surgery in the town hall next week to offer assitance to those affected.

“It is very important that a sustained opportunity is available for constituents to raise any concerns they may have and to resolve any outstanding problems.

“The aftermath of the flood has been marked by an outstanding level of community action to resolve the implications, and I pay warm tribute to everyone who has been involved,” he said.

The surgery will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, July 31.