A further public meeting has been planned to discuss proposed £310,000 measures to significantly reduce the impact of flooding in the Craigie area of Perth.
The gathering at Craigie Church Hall on Friday, July 14 follows the publication of the Craigie Burn Flood Study last month.
It recommends upgrading the Queen’s Avenue culvert and modifying the channel at Balmoral Place and Queen’s Avenue.
Amey Consulting estimates this could potentially lower the Craigie Burn’s bed by approximately 200mm, increasing the channel capacity.
The draft study’s recommendations are seen as “a cost-effective and beneficial solution” and the best choice out of a 13-option shortlist.
The study also highlights a history of significant flooding in this area of Perth, dating back to September 1981.
Businesses, homes and roads in Craigie were all severely impacted by flooding chaos in both September 2022 and August 2020.
Hosted by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart and Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie, proceedings on July 14 will take place from 3pm until 4.30pm.
The meeting will give affected residents the opportunity to share their opinions on the study’s findings and recommendations ahead of the July 16 deadline for comments on the study.
Perth and Kinross Council, Scottish Water, SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum have been invited to attend.
Mr Wishart said: “There was an expectation at the public flood meeting I held last October that a follow-up meeting would be held once the Craigie Burn Flood Study had been published.
“I am pleased to confirm that this meeting will be taking place, and all local residents are welcome to attend.
“This is to give those affected the chance to discuss their thoughts on whether the study’s findings and recommendations are sufficient in tackling what is evidently a major problem for the city; and to determine whether there are any unanswered questions that we need to be raising with PKC or other stakeholders.
“Since the study was published I have been contacted by numerous constituents asking whether the follow-up meeting will be taking place, showing what an important issue this is to members of the public.
“I am therefore very disappointed that none of the stakeholders, particularly representatives from PKC, have agreed to attend.”
Mr Fairlie added: “Now that the Craigie Burn Flood Study has been published, it is a good opportunity for local politicians to hear directly from residents to see if it meets their expectations.
“The previous meeting was certainly a lively affair, and I completely understand the worry and frustration that those impacted by the flooding face.
“I share the frustration that none of the other stakeholders have confirmed their attendance, but I hope that they might reconsider this before the meeting.
“I am looking forward to meeting local residents to discuss the flood study and I am more than happy to raise any further concerns with the relevant organisations.”
Two public council drop-in sessions to view and comment on the Craigie Burn Flood Study have already been held (June 20 and June 28).
Residents are being encouraged to register their views via an online survey by July 16.
A finalised version of the flood study will then be drawn up and the outcome reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, which will next assemble on August 23.
