News Release, Tuesday 1 June 2021

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GRANGEMOUTH FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME LAUNCHES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE

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• The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme is inviting communities the chance to join virtual engagement sessions next week, (June 15 – June 24).

• The online sessions are to help local residents, businesses and community groups understand the impact of flooding, how they may be directly affected by the flood protection scheme and how they can influence aspects of the design

• Over 12,000 letters are being dispatched to inform local people how to register for the virtual sessions via www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com

• Local people in Grangemouth, Carron, Carronshore, Wholeflats and Langlees will have a chance to feedback on the proposed plans and the design of the flood defences across different areas of the scheme. Further events will target the remaining communities later in the year.

• These events are being held online due to current Covid-19 restrictions preventing large indoor gatherings.

• The Grangemouth Flood Protection scheme (GFPS) will protect 5800 people, 2650 homes, 330 businesses and road and rail infrastructure.

• The scheme involves 27km (17 miles) of flood defence walls, embankments, the installation of flood gates, flow regulation measures and drainage work

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The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme is inviting local communities to join virtual engagement and information sessions next week ( June 15 – June 24). 

 

The sessions are to help local residents, businesses and groups understand the impact of flooding, the proposed planned scheme, and how they may be directly affected by it.

 

Local people in Grangemouth, Carron, Carronshore, Wholeflats and Langlees will also have a chance to feedback on the plans and the design of the flood defences across different areas of the scheme.

 

Over 12,000 letters have been dispatched to tell residents about the sessions and how to register for them via www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com. They can register for more than one session if required.

 

These events will be held online due to current Covid-19 restrictions preventing large indoor gatherings.

 

There will be two online overview sessions of the entire flood protections scheme on:

• 15 June 2021 at 1pm and on 22 June 2021 at 5.30pm

There will also be five separate community online sessions on:

• 15 June 2021 at 5.30pm, covering River Carron, Carron Works to Carronshore area
• 16 June 2021 at 5.30pm, covering Grange Burn, Zetland Park, Abbots Road to Bo’ness Road and Park Road area
• 17 June 2021 at 5.30pm, covering Grange Burn, Grangeburn Road and South Shore Road area
• 23 June 2021 at 5.30pm, covering the Flood Relief Channel, Rannoch Road
• 24 June 2021 at , 5.30pm, covering the Millhall Burn and Flood Relief Channel, Smiddy Brae and Reddoch Road area

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for the Environment, said: “We want to make sure that everyone who will be affected by the proposed scheme understands the impact flooding could have on their area and they are clear what the scheme will protect and how they could be affected. Protecting local communities is at the heart of the scheme.

 

“We hope as many local people as possible can join us at these sessions to learn more, speak to experts, provide feedback and comment as well as asking questions. I would encourage everyone who is interested to register and join us.

 

“As a Council, we are ensuring we are at the forefront of protecting our homes, businesses and livelihoods across these communities. The proposed flood protection scheme seeks to mitigate coastal and river flood risks and improve the resilience of our communities to be able to cope with the threats posed by weather events.”

 

The community engagement sessions will be held online using Microsoft Teams, with recordings of the sessions made available on the scheme website following the event. Places can be booked at any of the events by visiting www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com. A joining link will be emailed to participants once they register.

For those who are unable to join, a hardcopy briefing note and presentation can be obtained after each event by contacting us by phone at 01324 506070, by email at grangemouthfps@falkirk.gov.uk or writing to Falkirk Council, Flooding Team, Abbotsford House, Davids Loan, Falkirk, FK2 7YZ.

 

Alan McGowan, Senior Associate Director, Jacobs, said: “The flood protection scheme covers a wide area and many diverse communities. We hope as many people as possible join us at one of the information sessions, so they fully understand the extent and need for the scheme and the impact in their area.

“The scheme requires almost 17 miles of flood defences, averaging around 1.5 metres in height and of different designs, such as embankments, walls, floodgates and pumping stations to address river, coastal and surface water. It is also their chance to give us feedback on the proposed scheme.”

These online events will be followed by further sessions either online or face-to-face events later in the year.

Falkirk Council is leading the development of Scotland’s largest flood protection scheme. Backed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It is seen as the highest priority flood protection scheme in Scotland.

 

The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme will protect 5800 people, 2650 homes, 330 businesses and road and rail infrastructure. It will also provide almost 27km (17 miles) of flood defence walls, embankments, the installation of flood gates, flow regulation measures and drainage work. The scheme will also include works at the entrance to the Port of Grangemouth.

 

Climate change and the risk of flooding is on the rise and can result in more frequent intense rainfall and higher sea levels, unfortunately Grangemouth and surrounding areas are affected by both tidal and river flooding. The scheme is seen as unique as it covers coastal flooding from the Forth Estuary and river flooding from the River Carron, River Avon and the Grange Burn.

 

Falkirk Council is determined to provide better protection for the town and surrounding areas and is working with its consultant Jacobs to design, plan and manage the new flood defences. Construction could start in 2024, with completion in 2035.

 

The scheme involves wide-ranging engagement and consultations with local residents, businesses and other interested parties. Two public exhibitions (2018 & 2019) have been held to date.

Ends

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Follow us on twitter and Facebook @grangemouthfps. 

For more information please contact:
Julie Pirone
Communications and Stakeholder Manager, Jacobs
julie.pirone@jacobs.com
07711 446358

David Grindlay
Falkirk Council Communications Team Leader
07803 898008
 

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