NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 3 October 2009a TAYSIDE LEFT HIGH & DRY BY SNP GOVERNMENT A parliamentary answer to MSP Murdo Fraser has revealed that the SNP Government is washing its hands of any responsibility to sort out the problem of annual flooding in Tayside. Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asked the SNP Government which areas of Scotland it considers to be a priority for new or improved flood prevention measures. In response, Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham MSP stated: “It is for each local authority to consider its priorities for managing flooding in its area.” Murdo Fraser believes that the threat of flooding in Tayside means that the SNP Government should take action to ensure that flood prevention schemes and improvements are undertaken for communities such as Birnam, Bankfoot, Coupar Angus, Dalguise, Kenmore and Scone in Perthshire and improvements for Kirriemuir and Brechin in Angus. Commenting, Murdo said: “I accept that local authorities must put forward plans for flood prevention schemes but I am disappointed that the SNP Government will not set out whether or not Tayside should be a priority area for new or improved flood prevention schemes. “Communities throughout Tayside and in the Tay basin are at risk of flooding and I believe we must see a national response in Tayside 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. “Households, farmland and businesses across Tayside are now at threat to flooding on a much more regular basis and the SNP Government and Perth & Kinross Council must act to try and reduce or prevent flooding to affect homes and businesses. “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. “It is clear to me that many communities 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