This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Flood alleviation scheme opened in Morayshire
09/05/2005
A new scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to homes and
businesses in Lhanbryde, Morayshire was officially opened
today.
The £1.6 million defences, funded through an 80 per cent
grant from the Executive, will reduce flood risk to over 44
residential and business properties in the area.
The properties at Lhanbryde have suffered a history of
flooding from Lhanbryde Burn. During the worst recorded
incident in 1997 over 30 families and businesses were
affected.
Speaking at the opening of the scheme Deputy
Environement Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"The Executive is committed to increasing protection for
communities affected by flooding through investment in
flood defences. Our support for this scheme clearly
demonstrates our determination to help councils protect
their vulnerable areas.
"This scheme includes a detention basin constructed as a
permanent pond which will provide a habitat supporting a
rich diversity of wildlife. This provides a great
opportunity to enhance the natural habitat of the area as
well as providing a high standard of protection for the
community."
The key feature of this scheme is the construction of a
detention basin, including a permanent pond as habitat
enhancement, on agricultural land at Scotsburn Farm,
upstream of the village together with a series of channel
improvements and low walls within the village.
All confirmed schemes meeting the Executive's criteria
are eligible for grant. Prior to April 2004, the grant rate
was 50 per cent but this rate was increased to 80 per cent
in September 2004 for schemes starting construction after
April 1, 2004 under the new prudential regime.
Even where defences are in place there is always the
possibility that extreme weather conditions will cause
flooding to some extent. Climate change scenarios suggest
that Scotland will be more likely to experience extreme
storms and increased likelihood of flooding. Climate change
impacts are taken into account in all new schemes.