Go-ahead for massive 'flood wall'

The scheme aims to protect homes and businesses along the White Cart

Nearly 8km of new flood defences are to be built along the White Cart River to the south of Glasgow.

Work will start in November on new walls and embankments, with completion expected in 2011.

This is the second stage of a £50m project to protect homes and businesses along the river in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire.

Stage one involves constructing three new flood water storage areas by the end of 2010.

Work to build the facilities on the Earn Water, Kittoch Water and the White Cart Water is well under way.

The Scottish Government is funding 80% of the work, with the remainder being met by the three councils.

Approval to begin work on the 8km of flood defences was given by Glasgow City Council's executive committee on Friday.

'Vulnerable homes'

Committee member Councillor George Ryan said: "Changing global weather patterns are a real threat and research suggests that long-term the west of Scotland could experience more frequent and intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding in parts of Glasgow.

"Therefore, we must push on with plans such as this one to protect businesses and homes vulnerable to flooding.

"Improving our urban flood defences in this way will also unlock the potential for development along parts of the river corridor bringing added benefits to these areas."

The White Cart rises near Eaglesham in East Renfrewshire and flows six miles through Glasgow's south-side.

It is a shallow and fast flowing river, making it prone to flash flooding.

Only 12 hours of rain can cause water levels to rise by 6m, flooding hundreds of properties along the course of the river.