Public invited to have their say on next phase of Smithton and Culloden Flood Alleviation Scheme

More photos (flicker link)

The Highland Council is launching a consultation on the proposed measures for Phase 4 of the Smithton and Culloden Flood Alleviation Scheme, giving stakeholders, community groups and the public the chance to get involved in the design process and put forward suggestions.  

Designs have been drawn up by JBA Consulting for works which were identified following a public meeting held in the community in October 2012.  Included in the proposals are the potential removal of a culvert between Lochlann Court and Redburn Avenue, the creation of flood storage areas in Culloden Park and Smithton Park, the removal of the long culvert beneath Smithton Park and the removal of a long culvert between the railway and Smithton Park.  

A drop-in public exhibition will take place next Tuesday (10 March) at Smithton Free Church from 2pm-6:30pm to let people view these proposals and give their feedback.  

Phase 3B works are scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. Work by contractor Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd has included the installation of a new coarse debris screen immediately upstream of the railway culvert at Murray Terrace, watercourse remediation to stem the erosion taking place immediately upstream of Tower Road and watercourse remediation to stem the erosion taking place through the area around the former nursing home with a new culvert inlet screen immediately upstream of Murray Road.   

Earlier this week local councillors Roddy Balfour and Kate Stephen joined Chair of the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Thomas Prag, to see progress made as Phase 3B draws to a close.  

Councillor Thomas Prag said: “The Council has spent £1M in Smithton and Culloden on the first three phases so it was good to see work on Phase 3B which focussed on finding solutions and carrying out medium-term works, just about completed.  

“Phase 4 is going to take longer to achieve due to the complexities of design, the authorisations required and the fact that we need to secure further funding from the Scottish Government.  However, we do want to progress on with the design of the works which is why we are hoping as many people as possible take the chance to come along to the public exhibition next week.”  

Maps and plans will be on display and members of the Council’s Flood Team will be able to answer questions and are looking for people to comment on the proposals. Anyone unable to come along on Tuesday to Smithton Free Church between 2pm and 6.30pm can still take part in the consultation by contacting the Flood Team on 01349 868800

4 Mar 2015