Council debate as Forres flood study prioritised ahead of Elgin

SCOTTISH Water and Moray Council will carry out an integrated catchment study of Forres following recent surface water floods at Orchard Road, Councillors Walk and Fleurs Road.

Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee (EDIS) approved the mapping of local sewage and surface water drainage networks, but only after a lively debate involving complaints about Forres being prioritised ahead of Elgin.

"I know that people in Forres are suffering," said councillor Fiona Murdoch, "but I do not understand how Forres could possibly have been prioritised over Elgin, which is the economic centre of the entire area, and where there are significant economic consequences.

She added: "What was the criteria that made Forres come out better than Elgin - how did that happen?"

Scottish Water has prioritised fifteen areas in Scotland where it proposes to investigate the interaction between sewage networks, surface water drainage networks, watercourses and the sea over the next six years. The findings will inform the Flood Risk Management Plans and Strategies.

Forres is eighth on a list of areas across Scotland, Elgin currently sits at number 17 on the list though there is a possibility that this could change if a town higher up refuses the offer of a study.

Moray councillors argued that a recommendation be made to Scottish Water to give greater prioritisation to Elgin.

However, local councillor, George Alexander, claimed there was no need for debate and the recommendation for Forres be made immediately.

"There is a plan of the sewer system in Elgin," he argued, "so if there’s a problem they know where to go and find the relevant drain.

"There is no plan for Forres so there’s no way to find what you’re looking for, therefore Forres is rightly a priority."

The report will now be referred to the next Policy and Resources Committee.

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