Dumfries and Galloway councillors have agreed to a £15 million flood defence scheme, it has been announced.

Plans for a Raised Walkway design to protect the Whitesands area were unanimously approved at a committee meeting on 10 November.

The design proposals aims to protect and regenerates the area, maintains river views and provides useable public space.

Chairman of the Environment, Economy and Infrastructure committee, Cllr Colin Smyth, said: "It is unacceptable that Dumfries is the largest town in Scotland that doesn't have a proper flood protection scheme.

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"The unanimous support from Councillors for the Raised Walkway design reflects the growing consensus that this is by far the strongest option which not only protects the Whitesands from flooding but also regenerates the area. However, crucially it achieves this in a way that improves the views of the river and increases the overall level of car parking in and around the Whitesands. Councillors recognised that as a result of the public consultation the proposals have changed significantly and the option of a large embankment has been dropped."

Once the scheme is approved, detailed design will be completed to allow a contract to be prepared for construction.

With grant funding being sought from the Scottish Government, the start of construction is dependent on the funding being available.

(LM/CD)