Road shows on new flood risk plans

Moray Council is to stage a series of road shows to let the public know about new flood risk management strategies and local plans being developed across Moray.

They form part of a national initiative to move away from reactive flood management to a plan-led, risk-based approach as set out in the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) held an online consultation earlier this year and has taken responses into account in the flood risk management strategies expected to be approved by Scottish ministers.

The next step is for councils to develop delivery plans that will show how the strategies will be implemented over the next five years.

The road shows, which begin later this month and continue into October, will give people the opportunity to air their views on the strategies and on how and when actions to reduce flood risk are carried out.

Councillor George Alexander, who chaired Moray Council’s flood alleviation sub-committee, encouraged the public to attend the road shows and provide feedback on the plans.

He said the night of June 30, 1997 was etched on the memories of many people who were flooded out after torrential rain and which was the trigger for the council to tackle the flooding problem in Moray.

Since then five major flood schemes had been completed and thousands of homes and businesses saved from further flooding.

“However, there is still work to do and the next community to benefit from the Moray Council investment in flood prevention will be Newmill,” said Councillor Alexander.

“The council’s flood risk management strategies and plans, along with its surface water management plans, are clear indicators of Moray Council’s commitment to the protection of people and property from inundation by floodwater.”

The road show will visit the following venues:

Fleming Hall, Aberlour – Tuesday, September 29 from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Portgordon Village Hall – Wednesday, September 30 from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Elgin High Street – Thursday, October 1 from 12 noon to 4.30pm.

Elgin Tesco car park – Thursday, October 1 from 5pm to 7pm.

Station Park, Lossiemouth – Monday, October 5 from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Keith Tesco store – Tuesday, October 6 from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Forres Tesco store – Thursday, October 8 from 3.30pm to 7pm.

Members of the council’s flood team will be on hand to answer any queries and provide further information, along with representatives from partner organisations such as SEPA and Scottish Water.