Action plan underway to improve drainage at A9 Golspie
BEAR Scotland has been working closely with local councillor Graham Phillips plus officials from The Highland Council & Transport Scotland in examining concerns relating to drainage in the area.
In addition to these weekly inspections and any required shingle clearance, BEAR Scotland will examine the outfall themselves to identify potential longer term options. This information, plus a review of historic data on this issue can then feed into continued discussions with the Council and Transport Scotland.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for the North West recently visited Golspie to see the situation first hand. He said: “Drainage at this location has been a concern for local people for some time. Considerable work has been done in the past to provide additional drainage gullies and special drainage kerbs on the street and these additional inspections and works will further help in addressing these issues.
“There are several drains which take surface water from the A9 and surrounding streets down to the seawall and these have taken the brunt of storm conditions over many years. Shingle and seaborne debris from the beach regularly blocks these drainage outfalls and this creates potential for the A9 and surrounding properties to flood.
“As a result, we have instigated a weekly inspection regime of the outfalls. Two of our local workers will visit the site once a week to clear any debris. They will also record the condition of the drains.
“These findings will then be shared with The Highland Council to feed into ongoing discussions regarding drainage in Golspie.”
Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services, said: “The community will be delighted to hear that BEAR Scotland will now be inspecting drains on a weekly basis, and clearing any beach shingle which is blocking them. This is the result of good working arrangements between the Council and BEAR Scotland.
“I’m delighted to note that BEAR are also investigating the best way to affect a robust repair of the non-return valves damaged in the storm last December, and look forward to hearing the outcome”.