Flood relief fund set up to help residents in Stonehaven

A RELIEF fund has been set up to help flood-hit victims in Stonehaven. Around 100 residents were evacuated earlier this week when severe storms hit the north-east town.

• Annual Fireballs parade to go ahead as planned on Hogmanay

• Donations for victims of the floods are being accepted at Stonehaven Town Hall

A recovery group set up in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council decided on a flood relief fund.

It also reviewed progress in the town’s clean-up operation and preparations for Hogmanay events.

The annual Fireballs parade is to go ahead and it is hoped that views from the High Street will be unaffected.

Donations for those whose homes were flooded are still being accepted at Stonehaven Town Hall.

A flood advice centre, operated by the Scottish Flood Forum, has been set up at the council’s housing office in Allardyce Street.

William Munro, the council’s area manager, said: “The recovery group held a very constructive meeting.

“As well as looking at the short-term efforts to clear-up the town, it was agreed that a flood relief fund should be created to help those in greatest financial difficulty.

“The response to appeals for public support, both in terms of volunteering and the donation of furniture and gifts, has been overwhelming.”

Scottish ministers, earlier this week, agreed to release emergency money to to help the local authority deal with the clean-up damage.