NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 3 November 2009 ACTION NEEDED AGAINST FUTURE FLOODING IN TAYSIDE Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has repeated his call for a National Flooding Review following the latest flooding incidents which have hit communities across Scotland. Last month MSP Murdo Fraser lodged a parliamentary question asking the SNP Government what action it will take in relation to flooding. In response, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP simply stated: “It is for each local authority to consider its priorities for managing flooding in its area.” Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said: “I believe it is essential that the SNP Government sets out what action it is taking to coordinate flood defence work across Scotland, including Tayside. The latest severe weather and flooding underlines that a national response is needed from the SNP Government. “Communities throughout the Tayside and in the Tay basin are at risk of flooding and I believe we must see a national response in Tayside and across Scotland to try and stop flooding where it is humanly possible. Flooding is one of the most serious issues affecting many communities in the Tayside area and the SNP Government refuse to set out how best to try and solve this problem. “I believe a strategic National Flooding Review will allow communities in Tayside and across Scotland, who are threatened with flooding or have again experienced flooding, to develop proper defences. “The Tay and its tributaries cover a massive area and flooding in recent years has caused disruption and damage to Highland Perthshire communities in Kenmore, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Dalguise. Virtually every year in recent memory we have seen flooding either in Summer or Winter or in both seasons and there are a number of communities in Perthshire and Angus that are worried about possible future flooding." ENDS   back to top of page