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Councillors to vote on Stonehaven flood fund

The aftermath of the 2012 floods in Stonehaven
The aftermath of the 2012 floods in Stonehaven

Funding for vital flood prevention plans in a north-east town could be approved by councillors next week.

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s policy and resources committee have been asked to approve funding for the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme. They will take the decision at their meeting on Thursday.

The cost for the scheme is currently estimated to be between £14 million and £16 million.

Graeme Clark, councillor for Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, said: “There’s always a threat of flooding, and whenever there is heavy rain for two or three days there are people up during the night watching the river levels to make sure they’re staying low.

“Twice the people of Stonehaven have been through a hell of a time from the flooding. I feel the council are progressing well with the scheme.

“I’m sure the people of Stonehaven would like to see the works done tomorrow. Anything like this takes a long time to get permissions and things, but I’ve got confidence in the officers involved in planning the scheme.”

A report prepared for councillors by officer Rachel Kennedy recommends they approve the funding in principle, and award a contract for the detailed design work provided it comes within 25% of the estimated tender value of £300,000.

Works could start in late 2015, with the construction expected to take 18-24 months.

However Ms Kennedy said: “At this stage anyone with an interest in the scheme can formally object. Should these objections not be resolved the scheme will be referred to Scottish Ministers and could ultimately require a Public Local Inquiry to be convened.

“The impact of this process on the delivery programme would be in the order of at least 9-12 months.”

Stonehaven has been hit twice with extreme flooding in recent years, in November 2009 and December 2012.

More than 100 homeowners were affected by the flooding in 2012, with many evacuated to Mackie Academy. Businesses in the town were also affected, with many losing thousands of pounds worth of stock.

Greig Walker, chairman of Stonehaven Flood Action Group, said: “We welcome the progress that Aberdeenshire Council has made in promoting the flood protection scheme for Stonehaven.

“The town deserves the peace of mind it will bring and we will continue to monitor and question the project and it’s progress when necessary until it is completed, to ensure the town is adequately protected by the best means possible.”