East Lothian Council has approved the preferred Musselburgh flood protection scheme.

At a Cabinet meeting last night, Tuesday 21 January, councillors also approved the next phase of the project which is the outline design for the preferred flood protection scheme for the town and also looked to seek additional external funding for this major infrastructure project.

Musselburgh has a history of damaging floods from the River Esk - the last major flood, and inundation of the High Street occurred in 1948. There were also significant events in 1927 and 1891. Recent changes in weather patterns suggest that further floods may occur and so in 2015 the council commissioned a project team to assess the possible risks to the town. Using computer modelling which simulated a range of flood risks the project team have identified the best flood protection measures that can be introduced to Musselburgh.


Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: "It is particularly apt that this project was discussed and approved at the same meeting that East Lothian Council's Climate Change Strategy was approved. It is clear that changing weather systems associated with climate change are impacting across the globe. In addition to seeking to reduce carbon emissions the council is also considering a range of actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and Musselburgh's Flood Protection Scheme is one such measure. As the project team move onto the next phase to develop the scheme, consultation with local residents and businesses will continue to advise on both the necessary works required and how properties can be protected from flooding risks."

Project Manager, Conor Price, added: "The Project Team are delighted with the progress to date and completion of the first three phases which have included extensive survey work across areas of Musselburgh and the use of innovative computer modelling techniques to predict and 'create' possible flooding events in Musselburgh. This has enabled us to consider the best possible protection measures that can be employed and we look forward to starting the next phase of this extensive project."

(MH/JG)