Aberdeenshire faces £4m bill for flood repairs

THE cost of repairing the infrastructure damage caused by the recent floods which devastated parts of Aberdeenshire could soar to £4 million.

An estimated 220 homes and business properties in Huntly and Stonehaven were extensively damaged in November after floodwaters swept through both towns following 24 hours of torrential rain.

Furious residents of Stonehaven, who suffered the worst damage, have condemned Aberdeenshire Council's handling of the emergency, claiming the authority did not do enough to help residents secure their properties from the rising floodwaters.

Residents were forced to use compost bags, pillowcases filled with sand from the beach, and other makeshift measures in a desperate attempt to prevent their properties being flooded.

In a detailed report on the flooding damage, Colin Mackenzie, the council's chief executive, admits that lessons need to be learned from the council's response to the emergency.

He states that, while it was felt the emergency response had been handled well both at tactical and operational levels, there was room for improvement and a review of procedures was necessary.

Concerns were raised about the "non-availability" of sufficient sandbags, a lack of knowledge of local drainage systems and a lack of awareness of emergency procedures and contact numbers.

There was also a need for better warning systems and improved communication with the public.

The report, to go before a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee next Thursday, reveals that the total bill for repairing damaged infrastructure is likely to reach 4m.

The total cost of repairing damage to 201 bridge structures belonging to Aberdeenshire Council is estimated at 1.9m alone.