Renfrewshire Council has announced the completion of the first phase of its £8.14m North Renfrew Flood Prevention Scheme.

The scheme is designed to protect 350 homes from surge tides which can add over 2m to the Clyde's normal high tide level.

Contracts are now being drawn up for the second phase of the project which will see over 10,000 tonnes of contaminated sediment being dredged from the ferry dock which will be infilled with imported material. Phase two is expected to start in January 2010 and take six months to complete.

The third and final phase involves constructing a large capacity pumping station, capable of clearing 800 gallons of water a second.

The first phase of the scheme involved diverting the Mill Lade Burn and building nearly a kilometre of earth embankments and flood barriers, which can be slotted into place when needed.

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The North Renfrew scheme is part of a wider flood management policy designed to systematically reduce the risk of flooding throughout Renfrewshire. Flood defences are being backed up by steps to make sure drains, culverts and, in some cases, open watercourses are kept clear and free-flowing.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council's environment and infrastructure board, said: "Protecting people and their homes is the Council's top priority. Climate change means it's likely that we will be facing more extreme weather conditions more often.

"This scheme is an important part of our integrated approach to making sure Renfrewshire is properly prepared to cope with extreme weather. We are investing in flood defences and making sure that anti-flooding measures are included in new developments at the planning stage. We are also working closely with our partners SEPA and Scottish Water."

Councillor Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: "Extreme weather is becoming a fact of life and we have to make sure that it is something that we can take in our stride. The North Renfrew Flood Prevention Scheme is an important part of our strategy for protecting local communities."

(GK/BMcC)