A Ballater shopkeeper has vowed to stop cars driving through the village high street to protect retailers if it is hit by flash flooding today.
Vehicles were filmed driving through the flooded road during heavy rain last weekend creating “tidal waves” of water lapping into shop doorways.
Now one shop owner, who does not want to be named, has promised to “block the road” with his van to prevent traffic coming past and “causing more damage” if the area is affected again this weekend.
He vowed to take action after amber flood warnings come into force for most of the country for today apart from the north of Scotland and coastal regions.
It’s feared further spells of heavy rain could cause damage to shops based on Bridge Street in the village. Some of the retailers were badly affected due to the floods during Storm Frank.
The shop owner said: “We need to stop drivers coming through when the water gets too high – it’s like tidal waves coming into the shop.”
The Met Office issued a yellow alert yesterday warning of “slow-moving” and “heavy” thunderstorms developing in the afternoon with a chance of flash-flooding.
Forecasters said there was a chance that homes and businesses could be “flooded quickly”.
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said showers were expected across Scotland until 9pm today, although some places could also have “some sunshine”. She added: “Sunday looks to have a risk of some showers but they will be less intense.”
SEPA also issued Amber flood warnings yesterday and said it was not possible to predict “exactly” which areas would be hit.
Councillor Geva Blackett has now called for action to prevent cars driving up the main street when flash floods hit the village.
She said: “I am hoping that since the council cleared the gulleys this week the drains will be more effective.
“But I will certainly be asking the police to reassure the community about closing roads as and when necessary so that there is no repeat of last weekend’s irresponsible behaviour.”
Yesterday shop owner Chris Bruce whose shop The Roaring Stag is opening today, said he felt the old drains in the village could not cope with the deluge and has called for a “thorough investigation”.
He said: “The council have been out this week cleaning out the drains, but I’d like to see them put cameras down and check that none have collapsed. They are very old and just cannot cope with flash floods.”