Dingwall flooding back in spotlight at drop-in sessions

PEOPLE in Dingwall hit by flooding and keen to know what plans are being drawn up to protect the town from future devastation are being invited to a drop-in session next week.

Highland Council and partners are hosting the drop-in session on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm in the Dingwall Council Offices to provide information for those affected by the localised flooding during "the exceptional and severe weather event" last month.

The council’s flood team, community services staff, the Scottish Flood Forum, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and fire services will be on hand to speak to anyone concerned about flooding and to provide leaflets and information on agency roles.

There will also be advice about how to protect your property, on flood warnings and displays by the flood team on what prevention has been carried out previously and future plans for a flood study. The council says information has been provided to all households affected by the latest flooding on July 10.

In a letter to residents, Highland Council chief executive Donna Manson voices sympathy for those hit by the July 10 flooding, which saw a month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of minutes.

She says the town’s Victorian drainage system “is unable to cope with such conditions” and that a flood study with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency is under way.

Highland Council plans bidding in to Scottish Government funding for flood schemes later this year. In the letter, Mrs Manson outlines maintenance measures taken and invites locals to the drop-in on Tuesday.

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