JIM HUME WELCOMES BORDERS FLOOD PLAN (Jim Hume)

JIM HUME WELCOMES BORDERS FLOOD PLAN

August 2, 2007 12:00 AM

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South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume has welcomed Scottish Borders Council's pledge to take forward its plans for flood prevention across the region which in recent years has seen at first hand the damaging consequences of flooding to both homes and businesses.

Jim Hume MSP said:-

"I am pleased that the Council has made this pledge. The flood prevention schemes for the seven worst affected areas - Hawick, Newcastleton, Stow, Selkirk, Jedburgh, Peebles and Galashiels - have gone through a long and detailed process of construction over many months.

"The previous Liberal Democrat Scottish Executive increased the grant aid available to communities to cover the costs of flooding from 50% to 80%.

"My colleague, Euan Robson, last year led a delegation of local residents, business people and representatives from Community Councils to discuss the issue with the then Environment Ministers, Ross Finnie MSP and Rhona Brankin MSP. Euan Robson's representations contributed significantly in helping to secure this increase in grant aid provided by the Scottish Executive.

The MSP Continued:-

"It's a pity that the new Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, John Lamont, has reacted negatively towards the Conservative/Independent led Council's plans. Clearly people want to see measures put in place as soon as possible, but any plans drawn up must be done so with great precision to ensure greatest effectiveness when they're eventually implemented.

"I hope that a constructive approach from all sides will ensure a successful delivery of the flood plans for the region and I shall be keeping in touch with the Council in that regard."