Flood protection moves encouraged

Homes in the Borders were badly affected by floods in 2005

Homeowners in the Borders are being encouraged to take more responsibility for protecting their property from floods as part of a pilot project.

Scottish Borders Council said it was up to individuals to introduce flood prevention measures to their homes, not the council or the emergency services.

Under the scheme, local groups will form to provide their own initial flood defence systems.

Hawick was badly hit by floods in 2005 when the River Teviot burst its banks.

Many families spent months in temporary accommodation and the damage to homes and businesses cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to repair.

In September, homes in a Borders valley were cut off after flood water washed away a bridge.

Scottish Borders Council estimated the repair bill in and around the Bowmont and Kale valleys will be £1m.

The council said it was keen to encourage householders to invest in the latest flood prevention devices, such as expandable door frames, and move away from the desperate scramble for sand bags at the last minute.