This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Largs flood prevention scheme
20/01/2003
A flood prevention project in Largs was today given the
green light with an award of £900,000 from the
Executive.
It involves the construction of a series of low
wave-walls along the promenade and Fort Street between the
Old Fish Quay and the Gogo Burn and is designed to mitigate
flooding in the commercial centre of Largs, which has a
history of flooding from the sea
The scheme will reduce the flood risk to properties to
less than 1% annual risk and ensure the continued
availability of insurance cover for homes and small
businesses in Largs.
Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Over the last few months we have all seen the distress
that flooding can cause. The Executive is well aware of the
scale of the problems suffered by affected communities in
Scotland.
"While the responsibility for protecting communities
against flooding rightly lies with local authorities, we
have made it clear that if councils come forward with flood
prevention schemes then the Scottish Executive will support
them.
"Although we can never fully prevent flooding, we can
mitigate its effects. I believe the funding announced today
for North Ayrshire Council clearly demonstrates the
commitment of the Scottish Executive to support councils in
their efforts to build a better Scotland by protecting
communities from the effects of flooding."
Under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, Councils
are required to obtain the confirmation by Scottish
Ministers of Flood Prevention Schemes before proceeding to
construction. Confirmed schemes attract grant funding of
50%.
North Ayrshire Council obtained confirmation of the
Largs Flood Prevention Scheme in November. The Council has
invited tenders so that construction can commence next
month.