Argyll and Bute Council is looking at how it can ease flooding pressure in Oban’s Black Lynn - as one businessman revealed the long-running problem has cost him £100,000.
The council says it is investigating flood mitigation in the town and that involves finding ways to release pressure in the burn in a way that does not increase flood risks in other areas.
A spokesperson added: "We continue to work with SEPA to find the best ways of doing this and plans for a surface water survey are also progressing.
“Looking ahead for a much longer-term solution, we have worked with consultants to develop options for a flood prevention scheme for Oban.
"This is dependent on securing government funding. We have used the issues highlighted by businesses, in the survey we carried out, to strengthen a case for national support for local households and businesses affected by October’s extreme weather."
News of the council investigating reducing pressure in the Black Lynn was sceptically received by one pensioner who has been waiting since 2013 for flood relief work at the burn that his home backs on to.
He has repeatedly called for regular dredging of the burn, which gets clogged with debris such as branches and dumped waste.
Despite the council’s pumps working at Lochavullin, last week the man told us how he was desperately pumping water away from his house during a yellow rain warning and said it was the eighth flood he had battled.
During previous incidents of high waters, he and his wife have had to be rescued by emergency services. He says they are stuck with the house, unable to sell it and not able to get flood insurance.
He said: "It’s hellish here. Nothing has been done to clear out the burn since the council promised money in 2013. It never happened then and nothing has happened since. I’m not holding my breath."
Lachie Strathearn, of LMS Auto Services is just one of the business owners in the Lochavullin area on tenterhooks when heavy rain falls.
He said: "Whenever I cross Connel Bridge and I see the high tides on my way into work, it makes me nervous. Then when I see the water bubbling up at the mini-roundabout at Tesco I know we’re in bother - even before I set foot on the premises."
Repeated floods since 2018 have cost him about £100,000 in damage and the garage can no longer be insured against that kind of event. He and other businesses are still seeking some kind of compensation and support from Argyll and Bute Council who they rent the land from.
Lachie added: "It’s taking its toll. There are eight wages supported by this business. If we flood again, it will be a disaster. We do our best to give good service, there’s nothing worse than having to tell a customer their job’s been held up because of something that is out of our control - but it’s not out of the council’s control. Argyll and Bute own this ground, we pay them rent so they are the ones who should be stepping up to flood-proof us."
At Oban Hire & Supplies tool shop in Mill Lane, manager Mary-Ann Murray says they are on permanent flood alert after October’s extreme weather cost them thousands of pounds. They now store as much equipment as possible above floor-level.
Oban ward councillor Jim Lynch said he had contacted the council’s policy lead for Roads and Amenities requesting he arranges a meeting with Oban Lorn and Isles Area Committee and officers to outline "where we are currently, the challenges we face and what action we can take now to ease the situation."
Councillor Lynch said he would also be suggesting a similar meeting is held with businesses badly affected so they can be updated on what action can be taken now to ease the situation.
Jenni Minto MSP also said flooding in the area was "clearly a real concern both in terms of the impact this will have on businesses but also because of the environmental health risk."
She has written to Argyll & Bute Council and SEPA to raise concerns and to ask what urgent action is being taken to tackle the root cause of the flooding and to support those impacted by it.
Brendan O’Hara MP also said he is writing to SEPA and the Scottish Government to see if they can have a detailed examination of the specific circumstances around the flooding at Lochavullin, with a view to finding a long-term solution.
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