Minister sees for himself devastation of Broxburn floods

Nov 13 2008 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

Minister sees for himself devastation of Broxburn floods

THE Environment Minister visited the Broxburn homes devastated by flash floods in August to launch a new Scottish Flood Forum this week.

The Scottish Flood Forum — funded by the Government, set up by the National Flood Forum and supported by SEPA — will raise awareness of flood warnings and self-help measures, while providing an independent voice for flood victims.

MSP Mike Russell met with residents of Newhouses Road and Burnvale who face months out of their homes after the Brox Burn burst its banks.

He said: "The new Scottish Flood Forum is part of the new processes in which we will treat flooding in Scotland.

“There is a new flooding bill going through parliament and it will allow us to bring in flood defences quicker than before.

“The forum aims to give people practical advice which we can all heed to help protect ourselves against flooding, by raising awareness of flood warnings and self-help measures.

"It is increasingly important to raise awareness of flooding in this way, following one of the wettest summers on record.”

One of those the minister spoke to was Sheila Halliday, a member of the Burnside Residents Action Group, whose home in Burnvale had up to four foot of water in it during the peak of the flood.

She told the Courier it might be March before she is back in her home.

“My house is still at the drying out stage but I think they are nearly ready to start work. “I am in rented accommodation and it’s a roof over my head but it’s tiny compared to what I’m used to.”

Livingston SNP MSP Angela Constance thanked Mike Russell for taking time to discuss the floods with affected residents.

She said: “I think it was important that he saw first hand how it devastated their lives.

“The people of Broxburn become anxious whenever there is heavy rain now. While nobody can ever guarantee that flooding will not happen again, it is incumbent on all levels of government to ensure that risks are reduced as far as possible and I believe that both West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government are living up to their responsibilities."

West Lothian Council also welcomed the launch of the forum.

Executive councillor for the environment Robert De Bold said: “The council is taking action on its own flood prevention measures at Broxburn and we have already received approval to implement a local £5.6 million flood prevention scheme over the next four years.

"We also intend to promote a follow-up scheme in consultation with local residents."

Broxburn councillors Graeme Morrice and Alex Davidson also met with Mike Russell.

In the talks, the councillors pressed home to the minister the importance of progressing speedily with the establishment of the Brox Burn Flood Prevention Scheme and the question of any compensation issues.