Surveying works are to be carried out in the Whitesands area of Dumfries over the coming weeks, the local authority has confirmed.

The works will involve the recording of underground features such as archeoogy, geology, services and utilities, as well as above ground features including buildings, CCTV and lighting.

The findings will then be used to help develop a design proposal into a more technical, engineered flood protection scheme for Whitesands.

Following this, it is anticipated that the scheme will be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval towards the end of the year.

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In September 2012, the Council held a community-led design workshop to look at potential flood solutions for the Whitesands. As a result, the Whitesands Regeneration Masterplan was compiled, which included ideas on how to combat flooding in the area as well as the regeneration of the town.

The local community has been kept updated as the design proposal has progressed and will be able to view and comment on the scheme before it is submitted for approval.

The current design features a bund or banking which separates the river from the Whitesands area to create a green riverside environment that enhances the river setting. At the top of the bund would be an elevated walkway, from which enhanced views of the river could be enjoyed, while other locations would combine permanent and temporary structures to form the protection measures.

Councillor Colin Smyth, Chairman of the Council's Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said: "This is a big step forward in our efforts to protect the town from flooding. Funding is still very much in the hands of the Scottish Government but this work is needed to ensure we are able to hit the ground running should funding be approved."

(JP/IT)