WATCH: Forres Community Council calls for answers from Scottish Water and Moray Council as Orchard Road and other areas suffer flash flooding again
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
FLASH flooding hit Forres again late on Sunday afternoon following a sudden thunderstorm - thankfully many residents were prepared for the deluge.
The authorities are inspecting the aftermath - as has happened over the last few years, the main areas affected were around Orchard Road where drains overflowed and sewage washed over roads and pavements including around Applegrove Primary School.
Forres Community Council (FCC) member and nearby South Street resident, John Innes, confirmed many of his neighbours were prepared for the deluge.
He said: "This time the rain only lasted 10 minutes but the drains around the town were overwhelmed again.
"Luckily householders in Tolbooth street and surrounding streets including Bank lane had sandbags and home-made barricades which helped slow the water and raw sewage down.
"The drain on the path to the left of Applegrove Primary School spewed raw sewage onto the park and path on the school route. Also, the drain crossing the school playing field was overwhelmed and blew the lid off, spilling sewage there. This may become a health hazard in the heat, with no rain to wash it away."
He added: "I was speaking with a neighbour and the top house in my row on Tolbooth street had sewage coming back through her dishwasher into the kitchen. She has reported it to Scottish Water."
Moray Council is preparing a Surface Water Management plan set for imminent release.
Local authority Leader Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative) has been helping FCC gather evidence of local flooding over the last few years.
She said: "It’s disappointing that nothing has been done to address the issues for the residents affected for what is now an annual problem.
"I stopped by and witnessed residents helping each other out. Thanks to those community members for supporting their neighbours.
"Having been a victim of flooding myself, I understand how upsetting it is to see your home at risk and the mess left behind. The public health risk with sewage overflowing is very concerning.
"My understanding is that there is a Scottish Water pipeline/drainage survey due to take place shortly. I hope that all agencies discuss the outcomes to address the issues for both the short and long term."
At the time of writing the Gazette is waiting for an official response from Scottish Water.
