Flood drop-in centre established in Inverness
A dedicated flood drop-in centre, established in Inverness in response to recent flooding in Balloch, Culloden and Smithton, will host an exhibition of flood protection products later this month.
On Friday 28 October, the exhibition will be held at the Culloden and Smithton Free Church Hall (from 9am to 7pm). It is being organised by the Scottish Flood Forum, an independent voice funded by the Scottish Government to support and represent those affected by, or at risk of flooding, and The Highland Council.
A wide selection of property-specific flood protection products, including flood barriers, airbrick covers and temporary measures such as sandbags will be on display.
Matt Smith, who heads the Council’s Flood Team, said: “This is a great opportunity for homeowners who have suffered from flooding or for anyone who would like some impartial advice, to view the variety of products that are available. These products offer a cost effective way of minimising the risk of flooding to your property. Anyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary. The public can be assured that any advice given would be independent and tailored to their needs.”
A free property flood survey by the SFF will be offered to all who attend the exhibition
Meanwhile, weekly clinics are being held at the Smithton and Culloden Free Church Hall to support the local community and to provide advice on flooding. These clinics have generated a lot of interest to date and the next session will be on Thursday 20 October (3pm–7pm) and then every following Wednesday between 3 – 7 pm until and including 14 December. They have been set up by the Scottish Flood Forum. To date the SFF have had 80 enquiries to the drop-in centre, 14 emails and 18 phone calls for support. The SFF have also undertaken more than 34 home visits.
Most enquiries are regarding surface water flooding, insurance advice, and flood protection.
Meanwhile, the first in a series of occasional Flood Bulletins have been issued in the Balloch, Culloden and Smithton areas by The Highland Council’s Flood Team with input from SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum. Copies are also available to download from the Flood Team web pages: http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/flooding/
Matt continued: “ The Highland Council and Scottish Flood Forum have been working really hard over the past few weeks to try and alleviate the distress caused by the recent floods. One of the comments from the Public Meeting held in August was that the Council were not providing enough updates or information on flood matters. We hope these new Flood Bulletins will help to fill that gap.
The establishment of a dedicated flood drop-in centre has also been instrumental as a means of keeping in touch with the public and being able to offer support and advice on things like dealing with loss adjusters, insurance claims and getting repairs carried out”.
At the public meeting on flooding held at Culloden Academy in August, the Council invited the public to contact them with information on local flooding issues to help inform the Flood Study currently being undertaken by JBA Consulting on behalf of the Council. Since then the Council have received feedback from 55 residents via questionnaires, emails and letters on recent flood concerns.