NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 12 January 2010 SNOW THAW POSSIBLE FLOODING RAISED IN PARLIAMENT Although weather forecasters expect the ‘Big Freeze’ is set to continue for some time yet, MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the SNP Government to set out what action it is taking to tackle possible flooding once the snow thaws out. There is a possible flood risk in Tayside if rain falls as the snow melts, as this adds to the volume of water as well as speeding up the rate of thaw. If the snow melts quickly, it could cause the River Tay and Tummel to swell to dangerous levels, leaving homes, farms and businesses vulnerable. After the extreme winter in 1982, parts of the UK saw sudden flooding when the snow thawed and MSP Murdo Fraser wants local communities to be fully prepared if the scenario repeats itself. Murdo has submitted a parliamentary asking the SNP Government what advice it and its agencies are giving to communities and farmers who will be threatened with possible flooding once the snow thaws. Commenting, Murdo said: “It is important that the SNP Government and local authorities prepare for the snow thaw and possible flooding in Tayside and other parts of Scotland. The SNP Government was not fully prepared for this extreme weather over Christmas and we cannot see a repeat with possible flooding. That is why I have lodged a parliamentary question to find out what advice and action the SNP Government is giving to communities and farmers who may be threatened with possible once the snow thaws. “In England, places such as York are stock-piling thousands of sandbags and information is being made available in case flooding occurs when the snow thaws out. I want to know what the SNP Government is doing to assist councils where there is a history of flooding, such as in Angus and Perthshire. “In the long-term, the SNP Government must recognise that Angus and Perthshire needs urgent investment in flood prevention schemes as every year parts of Perthshire witness flooding. I understand that there is only so much that Government can do up against the forces of nature but advice and preparation for possible flooding is required once the snow starts to thaw out.” ENDS   back to top of page