Forres Community Council calls for local store of sandbags in case of more flash floods
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A COMMUNITY councillor is calling for Forres to have a local store of sandbags in case of flash flooding.
The town was hit last July 27, particularly affecting areas in the centre including John Innes’ home on South Street.
John made the suggestion at the last meeting of Forres Community Council (FCC).
He said: “Forres needs its own stash of sandbags. FCC is working on emergency planning for the town and has identified there are no sandbags in the immediate area to deploy in an emergency. Everything is kept in Elgin at the roads depot on pallets ready to deploy. In a flash flood, which could last just one or two hours, areas in Forres could be flooded before they got here. If there was a supply in Forres, we, as the emergency contingent, could deploy them.”
Last July 27, a torrential downpour over Forres was followed by rain for nearly 24 hours resulting in flooding at Old Mint Road, Orchard Road, Fleurs Road, Councillor’s Walk and Bogton Road.
At the time, Scout leader John had ready-packed bags in his garage and at the scout hall on Bank Lane.
He said: “I managed to prevent damage to my property but this wasn’t the case for others. Community councillors Steve Ferris, Kev Skivington and I will try and put something in place locally.”
Over 800 pre-filled sandbags are stored in the local authority’s depots in Elgin, Keith, Buckie and Dufftown.
A council spokesman said: “We will assist communities during flood events but property owners are encouraged to make their own preparations where they are at risk of flooding. Forres is covered by our Elgin depot.
"The council receives requests for assistance during flood events and will continue to provide pre-filled sandbags delivered to strategic locations throughout Forres for use by the local community during adverse weather conditions.
"£We’re happy to work with our communities to identify suitable covered locations where sandbags could be provided and used by residents, similar to arrangements in Garmouth.
"Residents are encouraged to contact the roads department should they wish to discuss this. Call 0300 123 4565 or email road.maint@moray.gov.uk."
