EMERGENCY FUNDING NEEDED FOR BOWMONT FLOODS (Jim Hume)

EMERGENCY FUNDING NEEDED FOR BOWMONT FLOODS

September 11, 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 near Yetholm in the Borders following his visit yesterday (10th September) to the affected area with Scottish Libdem leader Tavish Scott MSP 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 roads have been washed away which has caused problems of access, isolating some families.

The MSP continued:

"In the immediate future I'm seeking an urgent written response to the flooding from Ministers, because the local community needs support and assistance. 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 and by making available emergency money through the Bellwin fund - support is urgently need to rebuild critical infrastructure.

"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."

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