Hawick cleans up after the floods

Monday, October 24 2005

Scottish Borders Council confirmed today that the clean up in Hawick is making good progress after the torrential rain the week before last. A number of shop owners and many householders in the centre of Hawick were badly affected by the heavy rain and subsequent flooding. The Council's Technical Services Department has been working alongside townsfolk to clear up the damage.

Cllr David Paterson, Portfolio Holder for Technical Services, said, "I have been really impressed with how hard all of the community has worked to get through these difficult times. I don't think Hawick has seen flooding quite as bad as this for many years. I know a number of areas including the Rugby Club were affected earlier in the year, but this seemed even worse. I would like to thank all of the community and all of our local workers for the extra efforts they have put in over the last week or so. I think it is events like this that show how well all the public services can work with the community."
A number of shops in the Sandbed area of the town were particularly badly affected by water damage. Some of the shops have managed to open for business again but some could be closed for a number of weeks. Cllr Gordon Edgar, Portfolio Holder for Technical Services, was keen to make sure that people did not forget about the shops there. He noted that "a number of the shops in the Sandbed have put a huge effort into getting cleaned out and open for business again. Local people should make sure they continue to support them over the coming festive season".
Talking about the likelihood of future flooding, Callum Hay, Director of Technical Services, noted that: "Unfortunately this flood event will not be the last in this area or elsewhere in the Borders. The history of the Scottish Borders has meant that many businesses and homes lie in the valley floors and are therefore susceptible to flooding. Scottish Borders Council and its partners will continue to work to prevent flooding wherever possible, both through flood defence works and through careful planning of new developments. However, we are all aware of the seeming changes in climate and rainfall patterns and residents and businesses must also make sure they have done everything they can to protect their property. The recent 'flooding' road show was a good example of how SBC and SEPA are trying to keep communities and members of the public informed about flooding issues and what they can do to protect themselves. We shall all have to keep a weather eye out for stormy skies and rising rivers."

Reference: News-7547, Contact the Author