Falkirk Council press ahead with flood prevention scheme - despite lack of cash

The council has candidly admitted that the 27km scheme – which the latest estimate suggests could cost between £450 million and £672 million – is unaffordable, even if the Scottish Government pays 80 per cent of the bill as originally intended.

But at next week’s meeting of Falkirk Council’s executive, members will be asked to proceed to the next stage, as any delay could mean much of the work done so far would be wasted.

The next stage of the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme is notification of all stakeholders, which is estimated to cost between £1 million and £3 million.

The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme covers Grangemouth, Wholeflats, Glensburgh, Langlees, Carron, Carronshore, and parts of Stirling Road in Camelon.

The cost – and the length of time it takes – will depend upon the number and nature of any objections received, which could mean the scheme being referred to Scottish Ministers for a decision.

The report also highlights the work going on behind the scenes to raise awareness of the importance of the scheme, which would be the largest and most significant in Scotland.

It says officers have begun the council’s campaign to get support for the scheme, which will not only protect thousands of local homes but also a major port as well as oil and chemical businesses.

At a previous meeting, councillors agreed that it is vital to raise awareness of how important the scheme is to the national economy.

Falkirk Council says it is continuing to work with the Scottish Government to seek a resolution but the report to members admits that there has been “limited progress”.

Officers have now corresponded with: the UK and Scottish Governments; national cross-party organisations including CoSLA; private sector organisations; public sector organisations such as SEPA and GFIB; and community representatives including community councils.

The report adds that there “continues to be substantial stakeholder engagement with communities, businesses, and school pupils to raise the awareness and understanding of the project”.

Councillors have been promised a verbal update when the executive meets next Tuesday (January 16) at 10 am.

This will take place in Grangemouth Community Education Unit, 69-71 Abbots Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8JB and will be livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel.