AS Scotland prepares for its hottest day of the year so far with fears that high level humidity will spark thunderstorms and heavy rain, the Scottish Government revealed £42 million will be plunged into flood protection each year over the next decade.
Today temperatures are expected to soar to 28C with thundery downpours likely to affect parts of the country and there is a Met Office yellow “be aware” warning of flash floods. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the support package would give councils help to proceed with local plans to tackle flooding and protect homes.
The Scottish Government said the agreement reached with council body Cosla would secure 40 new flood protection projects benefiting more than 10,000 families.
More than 130 flood protection studies will also be carried out to help find potential solutions for another 26,000 homes at risk.
Sturgeon announced the deal on a return visit to Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, which was badly hit by flooding in December.
She said: “Earlier this year I saw first-hand the devastating effects of mother nature as storms battered our communities.
“Seven months on and the community have rallied round and businesses are getting back on their feet and returning to normal.
“However, the implications of the storm will be felt for a while yet and we need to work together to minimise any potential future disruption.
“This agreement will give local authorities the certainty need to deliver the actions set out in their local flood risk management plans to help protect individuals, business and communities from flooding.”
Councillor Stephen Hagan, Cosla’s spokesman for development, economy and sustainability, said: “Protecting communities is at the heart of what local government does and is the reason why local government has committed this substantial resource for flood protection.”
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