Surveys to reveal causes of flash flooding in Forres

FORRES Community Council (FCC) is trying to ensure as much as possible is being done ahead of more possible flash flooding this summer.

Twice last year, and following two consecutive summers of local incidents, the watchdog group organised public meetings between Scottish Water, Moray Council and concerned residents affected mainly around Orchard Road, Councillors Walk and Fleurs Road to discuss the issue.

Community councillor John Innes confirmed Scottish Water recently informed him they will shortly be re-examining Tolbooth Street, Bank Lane and Orchard Road - including around Applegrove Primary School - affected by raw sewage overflowing from a combined drain system last year and again this month two Sundays ago.

He said: “A lot of the street gullies still haven’t been cleaned and are full as a result. That’s going to come back to haunt us again this year.

“It’s poor that Moray Council hasn’t addressed the drains issue which is not Scottish Waters’ remit. Scottish Water want to meet me and some of the worst affected neighbours in a couple of weeks time.”

Three years ago, Scottish Water completed an Integrated Catchment Study of the local sewer catchment area which established little interaction with Moray Council drainage assets.

Earlier this month a Scottish Water spokesperson confirmed at some properties in affected areas “no flooding has been reported, or there have been blockages/chokes on either public or private drainage rather than incapacity within the sewer network”.

She added: “Following a public meeting last November, we are using valuable insight offered by residents and community groups affected by flash flooding in the summer. Flooding mechanisms in the Forres area are complex, however, there are no known areas at risk of internal flooding as a result of incapacity within the public sewer network. It remains important for customers to have information relating to their own responsibilities and what they can do to protect their homes. There is an ongoing investigation to understand causes and mechanisms which resulted in flooding impacting customers in central Forres; once this is complete we will share the outcomes and conclusions.”

Scottish Water point out that sustainable management of surface water is a key factor in prevention. Moray Council started working on a Surface Water Management Plan for the region in 2015.

The Gazette asked for an update and a local authority spokesperson replied: “With the support of Scottish Flood Forum, over 15 property resilience surveys have been carried out, with the report due in the next month.”