FLOODS brought parts of the Wee County to a standstill last week as heavy rains engulfed roads across the region.

Alva was almost cut off from the world as both back roads into the town were shut down due to heavy flooding.

It was not the only Hillfoots town to be badly hit as the Tullibody to Menstrie Road was closed and Marchglen near Tillicoultry suffered as vast amounts of water gathered in the area.

The B9140 Fishcross to Collylands Road and Glenochil to Dumyat Roundabout section was closed to all traffic - forcing commuters to either risk their vehicles through the water or take massive detours to get to and from work.

Head of the force’s Road Policing Unit, Chief Inspector Donald McmIllan, said: “Many motorists are still ignoring our advice to lower their speed and drive according to the road conditions. In one morning last week we had several collisions where vehicles had aquaplaned due to the excess water on the road surfaces.

“Motorists should exercise common sense and realise they cannot drive at the speeds they may ordinarily do so when the road conditions are good.

“Many ignored my officers who were standing at the roadside dealing with collisions and trying to slow the traffic down.

“The weather conditions are horrendous and people need to exercise caution for their own safety and others.

“It was just good fortune that nobody was seriously injured in any of the collisions this morning.”

Now experts are saying tough decisions will have to be made in the future when looking at how to protect people from flooding.

Professor James Curran of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has said problems are only going to increase in the future and that it is impossible to protect everyone against flood damage.

He said: “The flooding is going to get more frequent and more extreme, so you go on building bigger and bigger protection against those kind of eventualities and there comes a point when it costs more to protect than the value you get out of it.

“So these judgements have to be made in the political arena and are being made now.”

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham has seen for herself the action been taken to monitor the floods affecting parts of Scotland and keep the public informed.

Ms Cunningham, said: “Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

“A number of flood warnings and watches remain in place and more rain is expected. It is therefore important for the public to remain vigilant and to travel with care.”

	14-12-2009 18:12
	Hello be carefull u all

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	14-12-2009 21:48
	wellies "OOT"

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