MSP & Councillor Comment on Inverclyde Flooding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Inverclyde Councillor Jim Grieve have today (Thursday) commented on the recent news coverage regarding the issue of flooding throughout Inverclyde.

In January 2009 Mr McMillan conducted a consultation with residents of the east end of Greenock who were affected by the devastating flood in December 2008. Since the consultation, Mr McMillan organised and set up meetings at Cappielow Stadium with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water, River Clyde Homes and ward Councillor Jim Grieve.

These meetings were to highlight to the relevant organisations the devastation the flooding caused with Inverclyde and that action must be taken to address flood prevention.

This led to Inverclyde Council undertaken steps to introduce a ‘Flood Action Plan’ for the area.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Once again we are witnessing the devastating affect flooding has caused throughout Inverclyde on local businesses and households.

"The many constituents who I have spoken to about flood prevention are adamant that swift action should have be taken to address this major issue throughout Inverclyde, including the west end where local traders have been hit badly in recent years.

"Unfortunately, Inverclyde Council have made little progress in tackling flooding throughout the area.

"Instead we have witnessed decades of dithering and a lack of action which is totally inadequate and inept."

Councillor Grieve said;

"It's very disappointing that we are still no further forward in dealing with the issue of flooding throughout Inverclyde.

"I know from experience that flooding has been a major issue in my ward. Therefore, it's essential that drastic action is taken now to alleviate flooding so that future generations don't have to deal with the consequences."