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Sewage pouring into Perth’s Craigie Burn sparks fresh flooding fears

Dan McAlpine had feared the sewage leak was the start of yet another flood in the area. Image: Kieran Webster / DC Thomson
Dan McAlpine had feared the sewage leak was the start of yet another flood in the area. Image: Kieran Webster / DC Thomson

Sewage is pouring into a burn in Perth, sparking fears of more flooding in the city.

The tank, which stores sewage next to the Craigie Burn, is used to store excess water in periods of heavy rainfall.

On Wednesday sewage began leaking into the burn, following a weather warning for rain.

The overflow comes less than a week after a meeting was held to to discuss the flooding problem in the area.

Sewage spilling into Craigie Burn from underground tanks. Image: Kieran Webster / DC Thomson

People living nearby said they fear this is the start of yet another flood, as well as raising concerns about the hygiene risks of sewage in the burn.

Resident Dan McAlpine said: “I’m really really angry about it all.

“Twice in the last four months we’ve been flooded up to our knees, with the water just missing our house.”

A weather warning for rain was in place on Wednesday and statistics from the Scottish Environment and Protection Agency (SEPA) showed 13.6mm fell in Perth on the same day, but Dan says this should not overwhelm the system.

Sewage flowing into Craigie Burn. Image: Kieran Webster / DC Thomson

He added: “There was a meeting in Church Hall last week where we were told it only happens in extreme circumstances, we’ve not had extreme weather today.”

“They [Perth and Kinross Council] keep telling us there’s a flood survey going on in the area and we have to wait for the findings.”

Dan says he as taken on the role of “local burn watcher”, as elderly residents of the area grow increasingly anxious about the flood risk.

He also expressed concern about children playing in the park, where the sewage has been leaking.

He said: “It’s definitely a risk to children, kids play football here and the sewage won’t just clean up.

“It’s a health and hygiene problem”

Flooding a persistent problem in Perth

Heavy flooding in September left residents worried someone could die after the Craigie area was submerged underwater.

The incident led to 40 homes in the area with internal damage due to the flooding, with more experiencing external problems.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We published the Tay Local Flood Risk Management Plan in 2016, and are due to publish the next iteration of this plan in December.

“This document sets out the various responsibilities of public bodies, businesses and residents.

Craigie Burn burst its banks in September. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson

“Among the various actions in this plan, the council is progressing the Craigie Burn Flood Study and is developing a surface water management plan for Perth.

“Consulting engineers, Amey, have been engaged to carry out this work which will continue into next year.

“These projects are an essential first step in identifying any suitable measures that can help to manage and, where achievable, reduce flood risk in the long-term.

“However, even after the completion of these projects, any identified measures will be subject to further design, statutory approval, funding, and procurement before construction.

“This is a long-term process that typically takes a number of years to complete.”

Scottish Water has also been approached for comment.

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