New Flood Warning for River Cree Welcomed

News was welcomed with today’s announcement of a new flood warning for the River Cree.

Last year Scotland experienced some of its most severe flooding with storms Desmond, Eva and Frank causing sustained and persistent rainfall from December 2015 into January 2016.

Flood forecasting and warning is an essential service to help communities be aware and prepared for flood events such as those witnessed last year, and can help reduce the impact which flooding has on people’s lives.

The new flood warning is being launched as part of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA’s) Flood Warning Development Framework. The service will enable SEPA to provide early notification to emergency responders and to the public of flooding from the River Cree, which will effect parts of Newton Stewart.

Customers who have signed up to the free Floodline service (www.floodlinescotland.org.uk) will also receive flooding messages direct to their phone, giving them valuable time to prepare for the impacts of flooding and reduce the damage and disruption on their lives.

The scheme will be formally launched from 10.30am on Thursday 30 March in the McMillan Town Hall, Newton Stewart.

Commenting, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson said:

“I am delighted that the River Cree will be getting a new flood warning. Today’s announcement will be welcomed by all of those who have been affected by flooding from the river in the past.

“Newton Stewart residents and businesses have shown incredible resilience and determination to get the town back onto its feet after the disastrous floods.

“The community groups in the town are also to be commended for their continuing efforts to bring forward plans for future flood prevention schemes and reinstatement of the Sparling Bridge.

“I would urge all of those living in the area to sign up to SEPA’s free Floodline service to ensure that they can take full advantage of this fantastic facility in the future.”

Pascal Lardet, SEPA’s Flood Unit Manager said:

As many residents and businesses across Scotland know, flooding can cause severe impacts. For example, many people were affected by flooding during the succession of storms which battered Scotland over the festive period of 2015.

“With timely warnings, people are aware of the threat and can take actions to protect themselves; so it is important we continue to maintain, develop and broaden our service across Scotland.

“The Flood Warning Development Framework outlines the steps SEPA will take over the next five years to continue to improve the essential service we provide to the people of Scotland. It is important to remember that it is never too early to sign up to Floodline and be prepared to take action.

“Our Floodline customers receive free advance notification when flooding is predicted, providing crucial time to prepare and protect themselves against the disruption and damage which flooding can cause.

“Over 26,000 people are currently registered to receive direct notification of flooding from SEPA, and there are many more people who use the service by checking SEPA’s website or calling Floodline. We will continue to work with our partner organisations and communities across Scotland to ensure more people take advantage of this important service.”

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

The launch of this framework and new flood warning schemes will help people and communities prepare for flooding. Being prepared is crucial because if individuals can understand flood risks they can take the necessary actions to protect themselves, their property or their businesses.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working to reduce flood risk across Scotland and has committed £420 million over the next 10 years to protect homes in many of our most flood-prone areas. I would urge people to prepare for flooding by monitoring SEPA’s Floodline website for the latest flood information and signing up to get Floodline warnings direct to their mobile phone.”

Kirsty MacRae, Director of the Scottish Flood Forum said:

We see all too often the devastating impact that flood waters have on people’s homes and lives. The flood warnings provided by SEPA are a key element in enabling people to prepare and to minimise the impact of any flooding on their homes and businesses. We are therefore delighted that additional communities will benefit from improved flood warnings over the coming years. The Scottish Flood Forum website provides information on what people can do to protect their property from flooding so they are ready, if and when a warning comes.”