South Scotland MSP, Emma Harper, has called for a short, virtual joint elected members briefing from Dumfries and Galloway Council and partner agencies on the flooding activity which has impacted on communities across Dumfries and Galloway over the previous 48 hours.
Ms Harper has said that this will allow her to communicate directly with her constituents who have contacted her and that this will allow the emergency services to get on with their job.
In a statement, Ms Harper has also recognised the need for action to engage with the community, in particular in Annan, on replacement bridges for the Cuthbertson and Jubilee footbridges which have sadly been washed away due to the flooding in the River Annan. Ms Harper has raised these incidents with the Scottish Government’s Environment Minister, responsible for flood protection.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“Firstly, my thoughts go to all who have been impacted by flooding across Dumfries and Galloway over the last 48 hours. I know from previous flooding the impact it can have on businesses and residents alike and I remind all that I am here to help and that I can be contacted at any time.
“I have called on a joint elected members briefing from all of the agencies who were involved with the response to the flooding so that we can receive an update on the action which has been taken to support all those impacted. This will also allow us to receive an update, and ask questions, on the flood defence schemes across the region.
“Additionally, I have been contacted by constituents in Annan who have expressed their sadness that both the Jubilee and Cuthbertson footbridges have been washed away by the flooding. I am keen to see swift action to replace these bridges, should that be the communities wish, and I have therefore raised these maters with the Scottish Government’s Environment Minister who is responsible for flooding.”
