McMillan Welcomes Flood Forecasting Service

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that a £750,000 flood forecasting service will soon help boost Scotland's resilience against the threat of flooding.

The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, which should be up and running by March 2011, will link experts from the Met Office's operations centre in Aberdeen and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's flood forecasting team in Perth.

Daily statements will be produced for local authorities and emergency services detailing developing risks, creating early warning of potential flooding and more time to prepare fully for flooding events.

Mr McMillan said;

"The SNP Government is, once again, demonstrating its commitment to tackling the problem of flooding in our communities.

"This service will be a welcome tool for helping local authorities and communities prepare for the potential impact of flooding.

"I know, from speaking to constituents about flooding, this service will be vital for a community such as Inverclyde which has seen a lot of flood problems over the years.

"Therefore, it's vital when the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service is operational that Inverclyde Council and emergency services utilise the service in-order to fully prepare for any potential flood risk."