FURTHER INVESTIGATION is needed to alleviate the flood risk in Scone, according to local councillor Lewis Simpson.
Mr Simpson, who lives and works in the village, spent much of the festive season helping victims of the incessant rain and poor drainage.
Matters came to a head for Perth Road couple Graham and Monica Winton when a barrel drain below their home collapsed, leaving a gaping hole beneath their porch.
A massive hole also appeared in the car park of the Wheel Inn, further up the drain’s course.
Mr Simpson said: “There are a number of worrying aspects to the drainage and flooding matters which have affected Scone over the Christmas period.
“We are all aware that there was exceptional rainfall. However, there was flooding of the A94 at lower Scone due to water pouring down Mayfield Terrace when the main road was only passable with care and the bus stop unusable.
“The A94 at Quarry Mill was flooded and the road closed or passable with care for a period.
“Houses in Angus Road at the north of the village were only saved from serious flood damage from the Balgarvie roundabout area by the use of pumps operated by a resident. The larger pump was provided by Perth and Kinross Council at my request.
“Stormont Road was closed to traffic at the surgery due to flooding from the ‘Bleachie Burn’, which leads to and from the barrel drain.”
Mr Simpson called on Perth and Kinross Council, Scottish Water, Sepa and insurers to formulate a masterplan to address drainage issues, particularly maintenance of the barrel drain.
All three public agencies say the drain is a matter for individual landowners.
“What is required here is an exercise in community engagement and leadership, rather than the disappointing attempts made so far by some public bodies to distance themselves from assisting in identifying a solution,” he said.
“It is frankly ludicrous to suggest that the maintenance and repair of a piece of public infrastructure lies with individual Scone residents such as the Wintons. They, like most house and business owners affected, had no idea of any responsibility for water draining down the length of the village.
“This is no time to hide behind legal and procedural issues over a drain.”
A public information event will be held in February.
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk