By Paul Reoch

THE OWNER of a Milnathort pub who had to leave her business following December’s floods has received a bill for almost £12,000 from Perth and Kinross Council.

Anne Rowse, who runs the Jolly Beggars in Milnathort, was forced to vacate her premises when the Back Burn burst its banks on December 13.

Ms Rowse is now living in Kinross with her partner Stewart Hutchison and daughters Rachel (18) and Helen (11).

She told The Courier the council informed her the temporary housing would be met by insurance.

“I was told that I would not have to pay as it would be covered by emergency housing.

“I signed a form for this and also a continued emergency housing form.

“We discussed that this would be covered by insurance, but I have explained that I have a broker who deals with these matters,” she said.

Ms Rowse said that she offered to forward her insurance documents to the council, but that they refused to accept them.

She said she was also told non- payment of the demand was a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment

“I was completely stressed and actually collapsed when I came out of the building.”

Speaking of the amount demanded, Ms Rowse said that the figures did not add up.

She said, “The first bill was for the period January 9 until February and came to £3875, and now this one is for the period December 19 until February 8 and is for £11,975.06.”

The council held a meeting at Kinross High School on Wednesday, at which residents had an opportunity to question officials.

It was reported the council had contracted Arup Scotland to construct flood defences at Milnathort, but the company did not adhere to the design brief.

Ms Rowse said, “The council don’t seem to understand that they can’t switch the blame on to a third party.

“It was them who engaged Arup to build this flood scheme.

“We pay them to adequately provide us with services, so why should we have to deal with Arup—it is the council’s job to do this, not ours.”

A council spokesman said, “The council is aware of the distress and upheaval caused to residents by December’s floods, and support their demand to find out why it happened.

“Following the publication of a report into the causes of the flooding, the council brought together the people and organisations needed to answer a wide range of questions raised by residents and held a meeting on Wednesday.

“The meeting was attended by residents, the flood prevention scheme consultants and contractors as well as senior council officials, including chief executive Bernadette Malone.

“All residents had the opportunity to speak directly to panel members.”

“At the time of the flooding temporary accommodation was provided for people affected, either until their properties became habitable or until alternative accommodation was secured—in some instances hotel accommodation was provided.

“People in this situation who were not Perth and Kinross Council tenants were advised that they would be required to pay for the accommodation.

“They were repeatedly advised by council officers to pursue claims through their building insurance providers to cover this cost.

“Perth and Kinross Council met its obligation to arrange temporary accommodation for people affected by the flooding, however, under law we are not expected to pay for such accommodation.”