Kincardine and Mearns Area manager Willie Munro has said lessons have been learned from the devastating floods which last year ruined Christmas for many Stonehaven families.
He was speaking as Friday marks the anniversary of the coastal storms which forced many out of their homes and saw them decanted at what should have been the happiest time of the year.
Some residents were evacuated for the second time in three years when the Carron burst its banks in December, just days after a severe storm.
In the last year there has been extensive work on a flood prevention scheme, including hydrological modelling, topographic, structural, environmental and ground investigation surveys.
Mr Munro said: “We are pleased with the progress that has been made in the year since the floods last December.
“At a public meeting at Mackie Academy the chief executive gave a commitment that somebody would be appointed to work solely on the major flood prevention scheme.
“This was actioned very quickly and a dedicated principal engineer appointed. This has helped to move things forward without interruptions from other competing work demands.
“The council has, however, been progressing a flood prevention scheme since the 2009 floods and so the principal engineer picked this up as work in progress and has driven the scheme forward as a top priority.”
He added: “Lessons are always learned from incidents such as this.”
Mr Munro said targets being hit quicker than expected also emphasises the priority which was given to tackling the flooding issue in Stonehaven.
Gallery: Stonehaven flooding
He said: “It also indicates not only the commitment of the officers from the various agencies to work towards a solution but also the level of cooperation that we are receiving from the Stonehaven Community Flood Action Group.
“With an early warning system in place, flood wardens and extra defences, how much safer can locals feel in their beds at night?
“No guarantee can be given that there will not be another flood.
“However, the early warning system launched by Sepa, the flood wardens and the extra defences all provide benefit, the main one being that people should not be hit by floods unexpectedly as there will be the opportunity for everybody to be aware that there is potential for flooding and then to take steps to protect their property.”
Mr Munro said it must be emphasised that it is still very important that people do make arrangements to protect their property and don’t rely on measures such as sand bags on the night.”