Angus Council is seeking public opinion on a major flood protection programme for Arbroath.
The local authority wants people who live and work in the town to share their views on the £12 million Arbroath (Brothock Water) Flood Protection Scheme.
An update on the project was given to members of the council’s communities committee in Forfar on Tuesday.
It has been developed to provide a one-in-200-years standard of protection.
Officials say it will remove the threat of flooding to 530 people and prevent damage that averages at £840,000 each year – £360,000 from residential and £480,000 from non-residential properties.
Members of the committee were advised the planned publication of the flood scheme had been deferred until the spring to allow more people a chance to offer their views, in particular those whose land would be affected.
A report by Ian Cochrane, head of technical property services, said the estimated £11.97 million project would be part funded by the Scottish Government, the Coastal Communities Fund and Angus Council.
Consultation has taken place with community councils and land, property and business owners, as well as residents and local councillors.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed, communities vice-convener, urged members of the public to have their say.
She said: “This scheme is important to everyone in Arbroath. It will not only provide flood protection to the town it will also have a positive impact on its economic future and the well-being of all of its people.
“We have already carried out statutory consultation with those directly affected by the scheme, but we want to go further with them and others to maximise awareness of this project so that the people of Arbroath are aware of what it means for them and have an opportunity to express their views.
“We have been greatly encouraged by the public response and support for the scheme so far, but recognise the impact of this scheme extends beyond the boundaries of where work will be carried out”.
Letters will be sent out to those whose land will be affected directly to ensure everyone’s voice is heard before the scheme is finalised and legal notices issued.
The programme will involve the construction of three flood storage areas at Brothock Meadows, St Vigeans and Hercules Den, using embankments and flow controls to retain flood water above the natural ground level.
Enhanced defences will include a combination of new flood walls where there are no flood defences, or where existing defences are in poor condition and local raising of existing walls and some minor remedial works to existing walls.
Arbroath West and Letham Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Moore welcomed the project, adding: “I have seen at first hand in York the devastation which can be caused by floods and wholeheartedly support these proposals.”
