Whitesands flood scheme set to move forward

Members of the economy, environment and infrastructure committee will be asked to approve plans to develop flood protection schemes for what are described as ‘some of our most vulnerable towns’.
Councillor Colin Smyth said: “Over the last winter, communities across our region were battered by Storm Frank and Storm Desmond which resulted in some of the worst flooding experienced in recent years.
“People had to leave their homes, properties were ruined and businesses were closed for weeks. “This administration made a commitment to do something about flooding and work to provide solutions to some of our worst hit towns and villages.”
He added: “We need to work to find solutions that will protect our vulnerable communities and provide confidence for local people.
“A great deal of development work has already taken place and the committee will be asked to approve funding so that further development can be taken forward on these schemes.”
On Tuesday, councillors will be asked to approve continued development of flood protection schemes in Newton Stewart, in Langholm, and the controversial project earmarked for Dumfries.
A petition opposing the Whitesands project has gathered thousands of signatures, with concerns about the potential loss of views of the River Nith and changes to car parking spaces.
Councillors, who have already backed the Local Flood Risk Management Plan, are being asked to agree to use £1.536 million of Scottish Government Capital funding to develop the schemes.
But calling for full public consultation on finalised plans, Save Our Sands Car Parks and River Views campaigner David Slater said: “Thousands of people just can’t be ignored, and that’s what they’re doing.”