Council pledge to pressure Scottish Government over Dumbarton flood prevention scheme

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Council chiefs say they are continuing to pressure the Scottish Government to fund a flood prevention programme in Dumbarton East.Last year an additional £500,000 was allocated for the 2022/23 financial year from the roads and transportation budget to accelerate the implementation of flood schemes to reduce flooding in Levenhowe, the River Leven and Gruggies Burn.A £20million flood defence project to protect homes is currently at the design phase, as the council wait to see if Scottish Government funding will be approved – with the project paused in 2021.Last month Glasgow Road was almost impassable after torrential rain last Saturday, with further flooding in residential streets – including Castlegreen Street – forcing locals to barricade their homes with sandbags and flood defences.Fed-up locals and members of Dumbarton East and Central Community Council last week met with town councillors and MSP Jackie Baillie to express their frustrations, and the issue was discussed at a meeting of WDC’s infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee.Labour’s Michelle McGinty said: “I don’t think anyone failed to notice the extreme weather we have faced, and we saw how much our communities were impacted by that flooding.“Especially in Dumbarton East and Levenhowe, where some families were forced out of their homes.“We know that Gruggies Burn has been an issue for a long time and that funding has been delayed by the Scottish Government.“For the safety of our residents we have to know what lies ahead.”Council officer Gail McFarlane said: “The detailed design is underway for the flood prevention scheme.“Funding was paused in summer 2021, council made the decision to continue to the detailed design stage and