While a new nationwide flood forecasting service is “welcome,” residents of one of Scotland’s worst-hit villages require a more practical and preventative solution, it has been claimed.
This week, amid much political fanfare, details of a new £750,000 forecasting service were unveiled.
Scots have been told the system will play a “vital part” in minimising disruption.
However Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith fears it will bring little comfort to residents of Milnathort, the beleaguered Kinross-shire village twice brought to its knees by flooding in recent years.
In 2006 the village was devastated and dozens of residents were forced to flee their homes when a new £500,000 defence scheme was overwhelmed by torrential downpours.
Residents were again left counting the cost in July 2009 as a deluge left many businesses flooded for a second time.
Ms Smith insists “practical steps” are required if properties are to be protected from damage.
“I welcome the announcement of funding for a flood forecasting service,” she told The Courier.
“I have consistently called on Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government to give Milnathort and Kinross-shire priority status in order to address local flooding issues.”
While a forecasting service will have a role to play, Ms Smith insists more preventative solutions must be found.
“Many residents have told me that part of the flooding difficulties which have hit Kinross and Milnathort were as a result of drains not functioning or backing up.
“This is a situation which Perth and Kinross Council must make sure is addressed on a permanent basis.”
The new forecasting service will link experts at the Met Office operations’ centre in Aberdeen with the flood team at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Perth.
The government claims the scheme set to be operational within six months will provide emergency services with “earlier and better” flood risk warnings.