EMERGENCY FUNDING WILL HELP REBUILD FLOODING DEVASTATION (Jim Hume)

EMERGENCY FUNDING WILL HELP REBUILD FLOODING DEVASTATION

September 16, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today called on the Scottish Government to approve Scottish Borders Council's application for funding through the Bellwin Scheme for help towards the repair bill caused by the recent flooding estimated £1 million.

The MSP visited affected residents and farmers last week with Scottish Libdem leader Tavish Scott MSP and local Councillor Alec Nicol, and raised the issue in Parliament last week with the Finance Minister as a matter of urgency.

Jim Hume MSP said:

"The Council has now made a bid to the Bellwin Fund, but I believe that additional reserves could be found from elsewhere to top up that request.

"I have asked the Minister to explore the option of allocating top up funds and have at the same time asked him to look favourably on Scottish Borders Council's current application to Bellwin resources, given the severity of the floods which caused devastation to communities and the local agricultural industry."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:-

Jim Hume has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling on Scottish Government assistance for the flood affected community.

Flooding in the Borders -

That the Parliament notes with deep concern the devastation caused to the community in the Bowmont Valley South of Kelso as a result of the recent flooding; further notes that the level of unprecedented rainfall caused isolation for many households, severe damage to 'phone lines, electricity supplies, homes, roads and bridges and other local infrastructure; recognises the dependency of rural communities on agriculture for livelihoods and the serious implications for farming activity on the ground where animals are now unable to be transported; and calls upon the Scottish Government to put in place the financial means through Bellwin funding to restore crucial infrastructure to allow this rural community to function properly.