Council commits to Dingwall flood action plan
Highland Council Chief Executive Donna Manson has initiated an action plan to respond to local residents, following flooding in Dingwall.
The Council held a drop-in event and meeting with the local community on Tuesday 6 August. Around 60 people attended the event, where information was provided, and multi-agency partners were on hand to answer questions, including council community services staff, flood team, Police, Fire, SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum.
A note was made of questions and the questions and answers will be collated and published on the Council’s website by the end of August.
Several people requested a site visit or contact and arrangements are being made to contact all of these people over the next fortnight.
A further event will be held on Monday 16 September to update residents on a number of concerns they highlighted. This will cover local infrastructure, planning, flood protection and insurance, the process for applying for a flood scheme and further information on other matters.
Meanwhile, a Recovery Project Team is being set up and this will take forward a number of actions in relation to service provision and flood scheme planning.
If anyone wishes to send information or photographs which they think could assist the flood team planning they can send these to FRM@highland.gov.uk
Donna Manson said: “I would like to thank all those residents who came along to the drop in event at the start of the month. The information people are able to provide locally is extremely helpful to the flood team and I am grateful to everyone for their input.
“I would also like to again commend our staff who worked extremely hard on the night of the flood in July and who gave up their holiday time this week to once again assist with flooding issues and to come along to help with the drop-in session.”
Budget Leader Cllr Alister Mackinnon added: “We understand how frustrating and upsetting it has been for many people to have their homes flooded during this period of intense rainfall. Whilst we can’t stop the rain, we are committed to doing everything we possibly can to reduce the impacts of any further severe weather event.”
The flooding incident was also discussed by Councillors last week during a meeting of the Ross and Cromarty Committee. Local Councillors praised the quick response and efforts by council and partner agency staff. During the discussion officials confirmed that following the multi-agency drop in session, updates on responses to questions raised and further information will be presented to a future Committee.