Scotland spends £3m on flood protection

A controversial flood prevention scheme in the West of Scotland has been given the green light by a public inquiry.

The £3 million flood storage pond will protect around 70 homes from flooding in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire.

The 15,000 cubic metre pond with inlet and outlet controls was granted planning permission in January, but building work was delayed after objections from the public led to an inquiry.

Roseanna Cunningham, Scotland’s environment minister, confirmed this week that the inquiry has ruled in favour of building the pond.

“It was concluded that the Scheme fulfilled the vital criteria in being technically sound, sympathetic to the environment, and crucially, would provide local people with a level of protection delivering value for money over the life of the Scheme,” Cunningham said.

“Flooding is a serious issue and it is vital that we have adequate protective and preventative measures in place.

“Not only can flooding seriously impact upon our natural environment it can also destroy businesses and even leave people homeless.”

The Knowle Burn waterway flooded twice in 2002.