NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 03 December 2009 SNP GOVERNMENT MUST SUPPORT TAYSIDE FARMERS A parliamentary answer to MSP Murdo Fraser has revealed the lack of help available to farmers in the event of flooding and Murdo Fraser believes that the answer shows the SNP Government is washing its hands of giving any support to Tayside’s farmers. Murdo Fraser asked the SNP Government, in light of the recent flooding in Tayside, what assistance and compensation affected farmers in Angus and Perthshire can expect from the Scottish Government and its agencies. In response, the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP stated: “The primary responsibility to safeguard property and businesses from hazards of nature such as flooding lies with the owners concerned. They are required to take all reasonable steps to protect their property from such hazards. “However, farmers can expect advice on flood risk and flood warnings from SEPA. SEPA operates flood warning schemes on most of the large rivers and their tributaries in Perthshire and Angus, with warnings for the North Esk becoming operational in March 2010. Farmers can currently access information on flooding through SEPA’s Floodline telephone system, 0845 988 1188, or SEPA’s website www.sepa.org.uk. SEPA’s Flood Warnings Direct service will become operational in March 2011 when farmers who pre-register their landlines and mobiles with SEPA, will be sent messages free of charge about flooding in areas covered by flood warning schemes. The messages will point them to Floodline for more detailed information; providing them with crucial time to take action.” Commenting, Murdo Fraser said: “Autumn and Winter 2009 so far has been a harsh one across Scotland and farmers in Angus and Perthshire have been adversely affected by the heavy rain and localised flooding. “It is disappointing that the SNP Government has failed to outline any help or assistance it will give to farmers in Tayside who have been affected by flooding. In the parliamentary answer, it is ironic that the SNP Government is telling farmers to go online to get information on flooding updates when many rural areas are unable to access broadband due to the inaction by the present SNP Government to improve broadband connectivity. “It seems that flooding in the Tayside area is becoming more and more common and farmers could be getting hit every year. That is why the SNP Government must realise this is a serious issue and requires action to identify how we can support our local farmers and businesses. I want to see the SNP Government undertake a National Flooding Review urgently in order to ascertain what can be done in Angus and Perthshire to reduce the possibility of flooding. “It is clear to me that many communities in Tayside are in continuous risk from flooding during severe weather. I will continue to press the SNP Government on this issue until we in Tayside have the necessary protection against flooding.” ENDS   back to top of page