SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE BOWMONT FLOODS A PRIORITY (Jim Hume)

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE BOWMONT FLOODS A PRIORITY

September 10, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today called on Scottish Government Ministers to help communities in the Bowmont and Kale Valleys near Yetholm in the Borders and to visit the area to see at first hand the effects of heavy flooding at the weekend.

The MSP made the call ahead of his visit to the Bowmont Valley today (10th September) with Libdem Leader Tavish Scott MSP, Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk MP Michael Moore and local Councillor Alec Nicol.

Jim Hume MSP said:-

"The heavy rainfall has seen many homes affected causing disruption to electricity supplies and local farmers are struggling to get livestock to market as well as harvesting their crops, causing problems for the economy of the area.

"Bridges and farm roads have been badly affected which has caused problems of access to fields ready to be harvested. In Yetholm for example the machinery cannot reach the fields because the bridge has been destroyed.

"I sincerely hope that the Scottish Government will recognise the serious impact the weekend's flooding is having on communities by making this issue a priority.

The MSP continued:

"Long term, Liberal Democrats want to see sustainable flood management strategies developed, which reduce the impact of flooding on communities. Ministers must therefore act quickly to ensure that Scotland's flood protection is overhauled so that rural communities in these circumstances can be safeguarded against future damaging rainfall.

"I shall be seeking an urgent response to the flooding from Ministers in the meantime, because the local community needs support and assistance."

Mike Moore, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said:

"The flooding over the weekend has been a devastating development following weeks of dismal weather. Farmers in the area need extra support from the Scottish Government as a matter urgency."

ENDS