Flood risk for 13,000 homes

MORE than 13,000 homes and almost 1300 businesses in the Lothians are at risk of flooding, resulting in potential damage totalling more than £115 million, according to new official calculations.

• Stewart Stevenson visits the Braid Burn defences

Maps of the most at-risk areas across Scotland have been published in a consultation document on flood management produced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

In a seven-square kilometre area of Edinburgh stretching from Leith to Craiglockhart, and taking in Stockbridge, Inverleith, Brunstfield, Stenhouse and Corstorphine, SEPA said one in 20 properties - 4690 homes and 396 businesses - are vulnerable from the Water of Leith and its tributaries. It estimated the potential damage at 36m.

Another 26sq km area, taking in Portobello, Craigmillar, Liberton and Fairmilehead, has 2162 homes and 253 non-residential properties at risk from the Braid Burn, Niddrie Burn and tributaries, with potential damage estimated at almost 18m.

In a third area of six sq km around Musselburgh, more than one in four properties - 1981 homes and 99 non-residential properties - are said to be at risk of flooding from the River Esk or the sea, with potential damage of almost 14m.

SEPA said under its proposed new approach to flood management, it would use the best available information and data to ensure efforts to tackle flooding are targeted at the most vulnerable areas.

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Flooding can have a devastating impact on homes and businesses. I welcome these measures which are designed to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure that, where floods occur, they are effectively managed."

Mr Stevenson was speaking during a visit to the Braid Burn flooding scheme at Inch Park. A flood in April 2000 caused significant damage to 250 properties, including the Cameron Toll shopping centre and Peffermill Industrial Estate. New flood defences were completed last year.

Work on flood defences along the Water of Leith began earlier this year on the stretch between Bonnington and Stockbridge. Mr Stevenson said: "The Braid Burn is a fine example of what can be done to protect people and properties against flooding."

SEPA chief executive Dr Campbell Gemmell said the new document provided for the first time an accurate picture of the scale of flood risk in Scotland. He said: "SEPA's consultation will provide Scotland with the knowledge needed to help plan actions to protect the most vulnerable and those areas at the greatest risk of flooding."