The public is being invited to have their say on the next phase of the Smithton and Culloden Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Highland Council is launching a consultation on the proposed measures, marking Phase 4 of the scheme. It aims to give stakeholders, community groups and the public the chance to get involved in the design process.

Designs have been drawn up by JBA Consulting for works identified following a public meeting in October 2012.

Included in the proposals are the potential removal of a culvert between Lochlann Court and Redburn Avenue, the creation of flood storage areas in Culloden Park and Smithton Park, the removal of the long culvert beneath Smithton Park and the removal of a long culvert between the railway and Smithton Park.

A drop-in public exhibition will be held on 10 March at Smithton Free Church from 14:00 - 18:30 to let people view the proposals.

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Phase 3B works are scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. Work by contractor Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd includes the installation of a new coarse debris screen upstream of the railway culvert at Murray Terrace. It will also involve watercourse remediation to stem erosion upstream of Tower Road and watercourse remediation to stem erosion through the area around the former nursing home, with a new culvert inlet screen upstream of Murray Road.

Earlier this week councillors Roddy Balfour and Kate Stephen joined Chair of the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Thomas Prag, to view the progress.

Councillor Thomas Prag said: "The Council has spent £1m in Smithton and Culloden on the first three phases so it was good to see work on Phase 3B which focussed on finding solutions and carrying out medium-term works, just about completed.

"Phase 4 is going to take longer to achieve due to the complexities of design, the authorisations required and the fact that we need to secure further funding from the Scottish Government. However, we do want to progress on with the design of the works which is why we are hoping as many people as possible take the chance to come along to the public exhibition next week."

Maps and plans will be on display and members of the Council’s Flood Team will be onhand to answer questions.

Anyone unable to attend on Tuesday at Smithton Free Church between 14:00 - 18:30 can take part by contacting the Flood Team on 01349 868800.

(IT)