Freuchie Flood Action Group

Residents have been asking about the Unidentified Fluorescing Objects that have appeared on trees, roads and other assorted places around Freuchie Mill over the last few days.

Photo: Markings on the road surface at Freuchie Mill

Surveyors have been engaged to produce a  topographic survey, during which they are leaving  a trail of markings. The survey will provide cross section details of the Freuchie Mill Burn and the general area to assist with the broad brush hydraulic study being performed by Scott Wilson for Kingdom Housing & Fife Council.

Technorati Tags: Fife, Fife Council, Freuchie, Freuchie Mill, Kingdom Housing, Scott Wilson, topographic survey

The first phase of the culvert outlet reinstatement work at Freuchie Mill has been completed by the contractors appointed by Kingdom Housing. New Gabion baskets have been installed, the ground reinstated and landscaped and a fence placed around the whole structure.

It is reassuring to see the diversion pipe (top right photo) now being added into the water management mix. This should provide additional capacity to handle potential flood waters until proper flood prevention and protection measures can be put in place. However, there is a slight concern over the placement of the culvert pipe and how it may now be angled such that water could potentially cause damage to the structural integrity of the road bridge. See the photos below. 

Fife Council has responded promptly to our concern and will investigate whether this needs to be addressed or if it can wait until further work is carried out during future reinstatement work at the culvert outflow. Thank you.

Technorati Tags: flooding, flood prevention, flood protection, Freuchie, Freuchie Mill, gabion baskets

SNIFFER (Scottish & Northern Ireland Forum For Environmental Research) has recently published their findings into “Differential Social Impacts of Climate Change in the UK”. More information, including the final report, can be found HERE.

Technorati Tags: climate change, SNIFFER

Just spotted this post over on the Scottish Flood Forum blog that mentions an upcoming free Business Flood Risk Seminar being held in Edinburgh on the 17th March 2009. 

More information is available from the SEPA website, which includes the latest programme information and the event booking form.

Registration is required for this event.

Technorati Tags: business flood risk, Edinburgh, flooding, Scottish Flood Forum, SEPA

The Scottish Flood Forum has a new blog, which is mainly the adventures and work of Paul Hendy, project manager of the Scottish Flood Forum. 

This will be an invaluable resource to observe the progress being made by Paul and to keep up to date with how Scotland is leading the way in dealing with flooding. You’ve certainly got a few eyes here in Freuchie reading about your escapades during your time in Scotland… keep up the good work Paul.

Technorati Tags: flooding, Freuchie, Paul Hendy, Scottish Flood Forum

The Fife Herald has reported on the cancelled Minister’s visit this week. Bottom of page 14 for anyone that is interested.

Technorati Tags: Fife Herald

The Courier has a short article on page five today about the Minister’s cancelled visit yesterday.

Technorati Tags: Minister of the Environment, The Courier

Some Freuchie residents have voiced their disappointment at the late cancellation of the visit to Freuchie by Mike Russell  MSP, then Minister of the Environment. We understand your feelings as it was also disappointing for the Freuchie Flood Action Group team who worked hard behind the scenes to pull everything together. However, the finger of fate has been both cruel and kind on this occasion!

It is far better for the flood hit community of Freuchie to be visited by the Minister with flooding as part of their portfolio now and in the future. As such, we can look forward to welcoming Roseanna Cunningham MSP in the near future and to working with the new Minister of the Environment and her team.

Once again, thank you to everyone who had been involved in the preparations and apologies for the short notice on the visit cancellation. Best laid plans of mice and men flood survivors… and all that!

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Flood Action Group, Mike Russell, Minister of the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham

The First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, has today re-shuffled his cabinet. He obviously didn’t know that Mike Russell MSP had a long standing appointment this afternoon with the good folk of Freuchie! Unfortunately, Mike Russell was called back to Edinburgh as he headed out to see us! The reason for the last minute cancellation of his visit to Freuchie becomes apparent as he is promoted from Environment to Culture. We wish Mike well in his new role and thank him profusely for his past help and support.

Photos: Mike Russell promoted to Culture, Roseanna Cunningham appointed to Environment – © Office of the Queen’s Printer for Scotland

Fortunately, Roseanna Cunningham MSP moves from the back benches to Minister for the Environment, a wise and very appropriate appointment. As convenor of the Environment and Rural Affairs Committee she guided the new Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill through committee stage in the Scottish Parliament. The new Minister brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of flooding issues.

Looks like we’ll be inviting the new Minister of the Environment to come visit us. We look forward to welcoming Roseanna to Freuchie in the near future.

Technorati Tags: Alex Salmond, Fife, flood, flooding, Freuchie, Mike Russell, Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham

Mike Russell MSP, Minister for the Environment, has unfortunately had to call off his visit to Freuchie today. His office called a short time ago to let us know. They will be back in touch to reschedule the visit for another date.

Apologies to our invited guests, residents and the media who were so looking forward to the Minister’s visit. We will be back in touch soon to let you know the new date.

Technorati Tags: FFAG, flooding, flood, Freuchie, Freuchie Flood Action Group, Mike Russell, Minister for the Environment