Local Flooding Inaction Criticised

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Local Flooding Inaction Criticised

Failure of the Scottish Executive to deliver on its promises for flood prevention has been criticised by MSP John Swinney.

The local member has been pressing the Scottish Executive to implement a number of flood prevention schemes in Perthshire to protect constituents from the dangers of flooding.

The Scottish Executive has published information [Friday 8 September] showing that it has failed to reach its targets on the number of properties in Scotland that should have been protected from the danger of flooding. The Executive said in 2002 that by 2006 it would protect 1,850 homes but has only managed to protect 60% of that number of properties.

“Shockingly poor performance”

Speaking of the latest figures released by the Executive, the MSP said: “The Spending Review 2002 targets on the introduction of flood prevention measures have not been met by a long way and this has had a direct impact on my constituents in the Perthshire area, including Dalguise, Dunkeld, Bankfoot and Aberfeldy, amongst a variety of others.

“The figures state that 753 homes out of a target of 1850 have failed to have Scottish Executive flood prevention measures put in place. This is a shockingly poor performance.

“This is further evidence that the current Lib-Lab Scottish Executive are failing to deliver on promises that are vital to my constituents in areas of North Tayside, whose homes are regrettably susceptible to flooding. This is most disturbing and frustrating for constituents as they are in the front line when measures are not put in place.

“I hope that the Executive heed the mistakes they are evidently making to ensure that residents of North Tayside are not continually subjected to the trauma and expense which flooding brings to those people and homes affected.

“I would urge the Environment Minister, Ross Finnie MSP, to intensify his efforts to ensure these targets are met and act now to avoid future flooding problems in North Tayside. There has been far too much talk and not enough action. This Government has to start delivering flood protection for vulnerable communities