'We need help!' Communities plead for better flood defences after Borders rivers burst their banks
Last updated 25th Feb 2021
It's feared dredging the Liddel Water to lower the risk of flooding in Newcastleton could cause "serious environmental damage" and only push the problem further downstream.
But the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) admits it could help - and says any request would be "very carefully assessed".
Local residents are demanding action after being washed out their homes for the second time in just over a year when the river burst its banks on Tuesday night.
Among them is local lorry driver Robert Waitt, who had just moved back into his property on George Street two months ago, after it was made uninhabitable by last year's floods.
Recalling the scene this week, he told Radio Borders: "It was just carnage. I struggled to get up the main street in the car, and then when I got to the corner of the street it was just a river.
"There was approximately four inches of water right through the whole house, so basically all the furniture is ruined. The three-piece suite is just two-months-old; because last time we lost everything except for the television, for the simple reason it was sitting up on a table."
Around 20 properties had to be evacuated this time around - with piles of ruined carpets left littering the pavement presenting an insight into the scale of the damage caused.
And residents are worried the flooding could become an annual event unless action is taken.
Mr Waitt said: "It's 17 years since that river was dredged and we've begged Borders Council and SEPA to get it done." But he added: "There have been public meetings - and some meetings SEPA representatives wouldn't even come."
The organisation responsible for protecting Scotland's environment insists it is listening.
SEPA Duty Flooding Manager Janine Hensman said: “As Scotland’s flood warning and informing authority, SEPA actively supported local authorities and emergency services both in advance and during the flooding in the Borders - including around the Liddel Water and Newcastleton. We are therefore fully aware of the local impacts and know how distressing these are for the local residents, especially those directly affected.
“While dredging can play a role in flood management, it can also increase flood risk downstream and cause serious environmental damage. As such any application to SEPA to dredge the Liddel Water would be very carefully assessed.”
Newcastleton wasn't the only community hit by flooding this week.
The clear-up operation's continuing at Crowbyres near Hawick after the River Slitrig burst its banks.
Local resident Mick Murphy says it's the fourth time his property's been hit in 11 years.
He wants the town's flood defence scheme to be extended to prevent a repeat.
Mr Murphy said: "They're spending £90 million (on the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme), which is great; and I'm pleased for everybody, the town needs it badly. But I'm sure this wouldn't take even one million of that to fix a wee 300 metre stretch.
"It's just frustrating, soul-destroying. I kind of feel like I don't want to live here any more, but I love this area, it's a beautiful place to stay. I've been here 44 years - but what do you do? We need help."
Scottish Borders Council says it has carried out a flood study and is assessing its options.
A spokesperson for the local authority added: "This includes the potential for a formal flood protection scheme which could be considered for delivery in the next Flood Risk Management Cycle, 2022 – 2028. Consultation is on-going with residents and stakeholders in the area relating to this."