An Aberdeenshire group, which is campaigning to bring vital defences to a flood-hit village, has argued that a proposed half-mile barrier along the Dee will offer locals the peace of mind they seek.
The Ballater Flood Group is seeking the backing of Aberdeenshire Council for a 2,297ft Hesco barrier along the River Dee to protect residents against future downpours.
The organisation has identified the 3.2ft-high barrier, running the length of the Dee along the golf course as far as Ballater Caravan Park, as the preferred solution to the threat of more floods in the village.
More than 300 homes and 60 businesses were devastated in the village when a bund at Ballater Golf Club burst on December 30, sending four feet of water tearing through the community.
Despite being at loggerheads with the local authority around the reconstruction of this bank, coordinator of the group, Tony Cox, said recent talks with the council’s flood team had resulted in “an understanding”.
The full cost of the proposed defence and work to establish it has been estimated at about £100,000 – though a source of funding has yet to be identified.
Mr Cox added: “We have reached what seems to be a different and more positive relationship with the council.
“We talked about our Hesco barrier thoughts. This obviously requires consent with the land owners. We have had preliminary talks with the golf club.
“It seems very sensible. Funding for these things is a fairly significant issue. That, as a proposal, has been taken back by the flood team who are going to take it to their superiors.
“We are not too hopeful, we are reasonably realistic about things. It is pretty obvious finances are tight all round.
“It took us a long time to come to the table together, but the meeting was such good value. The common understanding we have achieved is very refreshing.
“Identifying the solution is one thing, getting agreement to do the work is entirely different.
“The problem is how can we proceed with Aberdeenshire Council to do that work?”
He admitted that the £100,000 required for the barriers was a “significant amount of money” – but added this was dwarfed by insurance claims in excess of £300,000 which several Ballater flood victims have faced.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman was unable to comment last night.
And a spokesman for Ballater Golf Club was not available.
