Funding shortfall puts coastal homes at risk

HOMES along Edinburgh's shoreline face an increased risk of flooding as council officials say there is not enough money to fix crumbling sea walls.

The city is facing a shortfall of 480,000 over the next three years to maintain vital defences, which have been damaged by storms and bad weather in recent years.

Extensive repairs are required at the sea wall and breakwater in Cramond, and also on the sea wall between Seafield and Portobello.

Further repairs are needed on Portobello beach, which is likely to involve dredging in sand to help protect the area from rising sea levels.

Minor repairs are also needed at Silverknowes, between Granton and Newhaven, and from Joppa to Eastfield.

The total bill to the council over the next three years is likely to be 740,000 - but only 260,000 has been earmarked in the budget for the next two years. The extra cash - 480,000 - will have to be found by 2010-11.

Councillor Phil Wheeler, the city's transport leader - whose remit includes flood prevention - said the Water of Leith floods of 2000 were a "recent memory for many people". And he said the council was already building flood prevention schemes at the Water of Leith and Braidburn.

He added: "As repair and maintenance work is not eligible for government grants we have to look at how we can find alternative means of funding these vital defences for the city."

Officials estimate that about 150,000 is needed for the Cramond sea wall and breakwater, which prevents the River Almond from silting up and flooding.

There is a "high probability" that the defence from Seafield to Portobello will need extensive repairs costing 250,000. The work on Portobello beach is likely to cost 200,000, although a Scottish Government grant of 50,000 may be available.

Other minor work across the Capital is estimated at 90,000.

The defences at West Shore Road and Granton Harbour will need to be upgraded by the developers of new housing schemes. And at Leith Docks, survey work is being carried out to investigate the feasibility of flood defences.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Labour's transport spokesman, said: "This is a lot of money but it is not astronomical. Defences have to be properly maintained."

Tory councillor Kate Mackenzie, who represents the Almond ward, said it was important to protect the Cramond promenade, which is "exceedingly well used".

And Bob Jefferson, of Portobello Community Council, said the threat "has to be taken seriously", but insisted the immediate priority for council cash in the area should be a new high school.