An underground tank bigger than an Olympic swimming pool could be built to catch water from a Montrose flooding hotspot.
Local residents have suffered decades of despair during heavy rains.
For some the problem dates back to when the Borrowfield houses were originally built.
Now, Scottish Water has written to locals with a plan to pump money into solving the issue.
It could see a 3.5 million litre tank constructed under a local park to collect storm water from the streets.
Increasing severity and regularity
Streers on both sides of Newhame Road have been affected by flooding over many years.
But its regularity and severity has been increasing.
Extensive investigations have confirmed a lack of capacity in the local sewer is a major factor.
Residents, local councillors, Angus Council officials and Scottish Water have met regularly to shape the plans.
A proposal approved in principle by Scottish Water would see an underground tank capable of storing 3.5 million litres of storm water – more than an Olympic-size swimming pool – constructed in part of Borrowfield Park.
There would also be associated upgrades to the sewer network in nearby streets.
Kevin Roy of Scottish Water said: “I would like to acknowledge the commitment and perseverance of affected residents and community representatives who have stayed the course – and contributed important information, insight and challenge to our team.
“Flooding of this kind is one of the hardest issues that Scottish Water deals with.
“We know the impact it has on customers, both when they are actually affected and with the worry that each rainstorm brings.
“It takes significant time and very complex work to understand the cause and investigate solutions – and that has been particularly true in this case.
“We are positive the significant investment we are proposing will make a huge difference.”
He added: “There remains a lot of preparation needed to confirm key information before a final commitment decision can be taken and construction can begin.
“This will include engagement with customers about how we can minimise the unavoidable disruption involved and leave a positive legacy in the area.”
They say the community will be kept updated on the plans.
Residents’ perseverance praised
Angus North and Mearns MSP Mairi Gougeon said locals had been dogged in their pursuit of an end to the flooding problems.
“The determination and input of local residents has been absolutely critical in getting matters to this stage,” she said.
“Alongside members of the local community, my constituency team and Cllr Bill Duff have been meeting regularly with local residents and Scottish Water to find a way forward and these proposals have been years in the making.
“I look forward to seeing how this large investment benefits residents in this part of Montrose.”
Next stage
Scottish Water say some site investigation work is expected to take place over the next year.
It will confirm ground conditions, the location of other underground services and develop more detailed designs.
The main construction work remains dependent on the outcome of this activity and final approvals.
The company hope work could be ready to begin in 2025.
