MSP for the South of Scotland Emma Harper has today highlighted the progress that the Scottish Government has made to ensure that Carsphairn is recognised as a Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) and has reassured constituents that the village has not been forgotten.
As a regional member of the Scottish Parliament, Ms Harper made an informal visit to Carsphairn on Tuesday 19th July to see for herself the village that was devastated by the recent new year flooding. She was able to speak to residents and local business owners who had been severely affected when their homes and businesses were flooded. Some homes have been flooded more times than they wish to count in the last three years.
Ms Harper was able to ask what the local people’s concerns for the future are and what they would like to see taken forward to the Scottish Government.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“I have visited Carsphairn to speak to residents and local business owners to ask what I can take forward to ensure that they do not feel forgotten. 30 out of 38 properties have been directly affected by flooding, which has occurred three times in the last four years.
Ms Harper was able to reassure them that prior to her visit today she has already been active in pursuing support for the community.
“This is what I have done in the first few weeks as a new regional MSP.
“I have written to SEPA to ask them to consider classifying Carsphairn as a Potentially Vulnerable Area. I have also written to Dumfries and Galloway Council to ask them to look favourably on the Carsphairn scheme to ensure that the village, once recognised as a Potentially Vulnerable Area, will secure funding for future flood defences.
“I have also been able to put forward questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment Climate Change and Land Reform – Roseanna Cunningham – to ask for her support in encouraging SEPA to undertake a review of the Carsphairn area.
Ms Harper joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during her visit to Newton Stewart on Monday 18th July to announce an additional £1.7 million in funding for flood defences in Dumfries and Galloway.
Ms Harper added:
“First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was very engaged listening to businesses during her follow up visit from New Year’s Eve.
“I have added the Carsphairn flood study to the agenda for a meeting which is taking place this week with representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council. Additionally, myself and Richard Arckless MP are scheduled to meet members of Carsphairn flood action group to hear directly what we can do to help.
“I can assure my constituents that I will do everything I can to have Carsphairn recognised as a Potentially Vulnerable Area and secure funding for flood defences. I am also pursuing information about what active flood prevention measures need to be put in place. I have listened to the concerns that my constituents in Carsphairn share and I will take these views forward to ensure that Carsphairn village is not forgotten”
