By Alan Richardson

THE GOVERNMENT has been urged to outline its vision for preventing flooding in Perthshire and Angus next year.

Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP, Murdo Fraser wants the SNP government to identify the two areas as priorities for flood prevention scheme investment after a series of devastating incidents in recent years.

He has now lodged questions in the Scottish Parliament calling on it to state how it will prevent further damage and misery to his constituents.

He said, “I believe that the SNP Government must recognise that parts of Angus and Perthshire require investment in flood prevention schemes, as every year we witness localised flooding in the Tayside area.

“In 2009 we must see work begin on flood prevention schemes in Tayside. Legislation is now being proposed to tackle the risk of flooding but action needs to be taken this year as we saw more flooding yet again in 2008.

“Too often the rivers Tay and Tummel flood and that is why I want to see Perthshire made one of the priority areas for flood prevention schemes.

“In Angus, there are a number of communities and towns that face the threat of flooding.

“Towns such as Brechin require greater protection from possible flooding and I will continue to put pressure on the SNP Government until we see real and long-term improvements to our flood protection measures throughout Tayside.

“I understand that there is only so much we can do when up against the forces of nature, but the Scottish Government must do what it can to help the communities in Tayside.

“I have lodged parliamentary questions on what action will be taken to improve flood prevention schemes in Angus and Perthshire as we can learn what will be done to tackle this issue.”

In the last 12 months Kirriemuir and Carnoustie were badly hit, with huge swathes of rural Perthshire and Angus under near-constant fear of heavy rain swelling the river system.

Flood prevention schemes are planned in Brechin, Arbroath and on the South Esk in Angus, but proposed works in Birnam, Bankfoot, Coupar Angus, Dalginross, Greenloaning and Scone are in doubt over funding questions.

The government has 10 working days to provide answers to Mr Fraser’s queries.