A Dumfries business owner is calling for better support for victims in the aftermath of flooding.
Ivano’s Italian takeaway was another Whitesands business hit hard with owner Carol Williamson saying this was the worst ever.
She is now calling on the local authority to work with emergency services to understand what victims need following similar deluges.
Carol, 51, said: “On a scale of one to 10 this flood was a 10. I can’t even explain just how bad it was, we’ve never had it as bad as this before.
“The unfortunate thing is we phoned the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service but they wouldn’t come out this year.
“If it’s not life threatening I understand and appreciate that but I think there should be a collaborative triage to assess what is needed rather than wait.
“You can plan for floods and can tell people they’re coming but there’s not a collaborative response to what people actually need afterwards. I spoke to convener of the council Stephen Thompson and I told him that they failed on every single level to respond.”
Heavy rain last week resulted in a weather warning going out as residents and businesses prepared for the worst on the Whitesands.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said water levels at the River Nith were the highest ever recorded since 1982 as much of the area was closed off.
Many businesses along the riverbank are once again counting the cost and Ivano’s is no exception. Carol added: “Ivano is 67-years-old and can’t keep up with this. We’re fed up and tired. Our hearts, as seasoned flood victims, go out to those people that have never been flooded before and got this. It must be devastating for them. I’d love to see a collaborative triage set up to assess what flood victims need.
“What’s to stop them walking up and down the streets telling people what’s happening? In 2009 we had meetings at the Ice Bowl and since then we’ve had nothing. A lot of people are complaining that the council are doing nothing but we don’t take that view.
“We just feel there could be better care in the aftermath.”
A council spokesman said: “Since December 29, Dumfries and Galloway Council has been working closely with partner agencies to help mitigate the impact of the severe flooding that has affected householders and businesses across Dumfries and Galloway.”
