Climate change flood warning for hundreds of homes

October 4, 2021 Environment, News

**Parts of Helensburgh seafront were badly damaged by floods in January 2014.**

Over 1,300 people and 850 properties in the Helensburgh area will be at risk of flooding in the next few decades, a new study has revealed.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is currently running a national consultation on flood protection schemes and has invited the public to take part.

And it estimates flood risk in the following specific areas:

Helensburgh – currently 270 people and 170 homes and businesses are said to be at risk of flooding, and by the 2080s this is expected to increase to 740 people and 480 properties.
Cardross – SEPA says currently 330 people and 180 properties are at risk, mainly from surface water but potentially also river and coastal flooding. This is likely to increase to 420 people and 230 homes and businesses by the 2080s.
Garelochhead – currently 110 people and 90 properties are said to be at risk from coastal flooding, increasing to 130 people and 130 properties.
Kilcreggan: Ten people and nine properties are said to be at risk mainly from surface water flooding, rising to 20 people and ten properties by the 2080s.

SEPA has warned that the danger of flooding in Helensburgh has been underestimated by previous methodologies.

“There is a long history of periodic coastal flooding in Helensburgh, including notable flooding in January 2014 as a result of high tides, a storm surge and persistent rainfall,” says SEPA’s flood risk management plan/

“There are also records of surface water flooding including flooding in November 2006.

“The Dynamic Coast project has shown that parts of the shoreline in or adjacent to this target area are subject to erosion at present or are considered likely to erode in the future.

“Consideration should be given to how erosion might impact flood risk. Any actions taken should aim to support building natural resilience to flooding and not lead to an increase in erosion.”

**The pier car park in Helensburgh has previously been repeatedly flooded.**

There are just a few weeks left for residents to give their views in the consultation, and Argyll and Bute Council has urged people to take part.

Rory Colville, policy lead for roads and infrastructure services, said: “One of Argyll and Bute’s greatest attractions is its 4,000 km of coastline.

“However, with climate change our coastline could also present a great challenge for the area.

“The council is already working hard to progress flood protection schemes and studies in a number of our towns, and we have asked for input from residents and business owners. This is a chance to have an input as part of the national plan.”

To take part, go to the website here.