Carnoustie residents have been given a first look at the multi-million pound options drawn up to protect the town from the kind of flooding which created chaos across Angus last week.
In a timely follow-up to the storms which led to the closure of the A92 dual carriageway between Ethiebeaton and Muirdrum, a pre-planned community consultation was staged in Carnoustie library on Monday.
The session was part of a two-day event taking in the burgh and Monifieth.
The options have gone on display in the latest stage of a study commissioned by Angus Council in February last year.
Experts have examined topographical surveys of the local area as part of investigations into a range of measures which could stand up to a one in 200-year flood event.
In Carnoustie, the studies centred on the risk posed by flooding of the Barry and Lochty Burns, which have previously led to issues in areas including the High Street and the town’s Open Championship golf links.
Shortlisted options for the Barry Burn include the creation of new storage reservoirs for floodwater, raising the ground at MacDonald Smith Drive and increasing the size of rail and road bridges in the locality.
Engineers have also suggested embankments could be set further back from their current position to create a bigger channel for floodwater to make its way down the burn.
The Lochty options include the replacement of two existing culverts with larger structures to allow the water to pass through rather than spilling onto the links land flood plain.
That could include the operation to raise the road on Links Parade to cover the larger culvert beneath.
The options are forecast to cost in the range of £5 million to £10 million and the prospects of the flood plans progressing could rest with a successful bid for cash from the Scottish Government.
A council spokesperson said: “A stakeholders meeting has already taken place involving bodies such as Network Rail and the golf links.
“These public events are an opportunity for the public to come along and view the options which have been drawn up, and perhaps tell us about specific issues which we may not be aware of.”
The consultation roadshow moves on to Monifieth library on Tuesday, where it will run from 10.30am to 4pm, detailing options drawn up for work to alleviate issues around the Monifieth Burn.
Angus councillors are expected to be presented with recommendations at the end of next month which will include feedback from the public consultation sessions.
