Brechin s multi-million pound flood prevention scheme is now officially complete – with a commemorative plaque unveiled today (Friday). Marking the completion of the works today with the unveiling, was Councillor Jeanette Gaul, Angus Council s vice-convener of Communities and Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Scotland s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.
River Street during heavy rain prior to the new flood works
Also amongst those in attendance at the opening ceremony in River Street were Jim Steele, managing director of Morrisons Construction who carried out the project; and Deputy Lieutenant of Angus Hugh Campbell Adamson; along with other elected members, council officers and local residents. Councillor Gaul said: This is an ambitious but vital project that I am sure will make a big difference to the lives of many people within the Brechin community. The length and scale of the project has been significant and greatly assisted by the support and patience of local residents and the wider public.
With its completion comes increased safety and security for homes and businesses at times of severe weather. That is its primary task, but the project has also brought improvements to the local landscape and environment with it, as well as the stunning murals that have been created by the community.
It is a project that I have great pride in and one that I am sure will serve the people of Brechin very well for generations to come.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said, Flooding can have devastating consequences for individuals, businesses and communities and that is why we are working with partners and investing in schemes to protect against flooding. The opening of this new scheme is good news for Brechin and will provide lasting protection against the sort of flooding that has struck the area in the past.
We are committed to reducing flood risk across Scotland. We will continue to invest 42 million a year to fund important new projects to protect communities most at risk from flooding.
Funded by the Scottish Government and Angus Council, the Brechin Flood Prevention Scheme got underway at the start of 2015, with Morrison Construction appointed to carry out the work. It has included the building of direct defences, flood walls and food embankments, as well as upgrades to the existing surface water drainage system and the Denburn culvert and the installation of three submerged pumping stations. It is designed to provide a 1 in 200 years current day standard of defence and has been one of the biggest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Angus.
Jim Steele, Managing Director Infrastructure Scotland for Morrison Construction, said, These new defences will provide security for hundreds of homes and businesses and we are delighted that our work with Angus Council has delivered a scheme that will safeguard the town for many years to come.
Partnership working has ensured that this scheme has been delivered within tight timescales and with minimum disruption to the community.
In addition to new road surfaces and footways, new lighting and seating area, environmental enhancements include landscaped and grassed embankments, the installation of bird and bat boxes and upgrades to the play park facilities at the Inch.