PRESS RELEASE

October 27th, 2008

Inquiry calls into flooding chaos

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is calling for an inquiry into the flooding problems which caused chaos last week.

Following the first day of flooding last Thursday, Mr McNeil wrote to Environment minister Michael Russell calling on him to authorise the investigation.

He wants the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to lead the inquiry and involve all the relevant agencies in fixing the flooding problems that are plaguing Inverclyde.

The MSP insists that funds must be identified to develop an updated flood prevention programme that would address the problem seriously.

He said: “It is no longer tolerable for the people of this area to find themselves in this situation every time the heavens inflict a sustained period of rain on us.

“In the past, we made good progress in tackling the flooding problems on Greenock waterfront which caused traffic chaos.

“This was achieved by money from Scottish Government and brought about by concerted action by all agencies.

“But scenes like we saw last week are unacceptable and are becoming all to frequent.

“I am not trying to apportion blame and it is my belief that this cannot be solved by any one body – we have to involve everyone to ensure we get this problem fixed.

“People should not have to go through the awful situation they were put in last week without knowing that something is being done to put it right.

“I hope the minister gives his backing to this inquiry and we can get things moving.”

ENDS