Flood prevention plan green light

Sandbags were used in April 2000 when the river burst its banks

Multi-million pound flood prevention plans for the Water of Leith river in Edinburgh have been given final approval by the Scottish Executive.

But city councillors said they were disappointed by the details.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie said homeowners and businesses along the river could now be reassured the £47m scheme would be done.

But the leader of Edinburgh Council, Ewan Aitken, said it would be unsightly and more costly.

We we still build this scheme, as it is our duty, but we are seriously concerned about some key elements Ewan Aitken Edinburgh Council

Cllr Aitken said: "This is the wrong scheme, and I am greatly disappointed.

"The delay in the Scottish Executive's decision has caused prolonged anxiety as well as increased insurance costs for residents, and inflation costs to the project as a whole.

"Now that the decision has been made, residents will also have to put up with a scheme which is unsightly and more costly.

"We still build this scheme, as it is our duty, but we are seriously concerned about some key elements."

Construction work is likely to start one year from now, meaning by the time the measures are in place it will be 12 years since the river burst its banks in April 2000.

'Vulnerable communities'

Mr Finnie said: "Consideration of this scheme has presented many complex challenges and we have looked very carefully at all the representations.

"We now have a sustainable scheme which Edinburgh Council can take forward to construction.

"We are committed to supporting councils' efforts to reduce flood risk to their vulnerable communities and we will provide grant support for this scheme to suit the council's programme.

"People with homes and businesses along the Water of Leith can now be re-assured that the flood prevention scheme will go ahead."