Good News! - Lib Dem Action Means Flood Defences by Winter

10.04.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Apr 2007

Louise Lang is delighted that there will be action on flood defences.

Liberal Democrat Environment Minister Ross Finnie has announced that flood defences will be in place by this winter, protecting homes near the Water of Leith.

With responsibility for flood defences under the control of Labour Ministers until earlier this year, little had been done since the severe flooding in 2000. Now, with a Liberal Democrat Minister taking over this issue, action has been promised and almost all of the independent reporter's recommendations are going to be implemented.

Ross Finnie said he hoped to have design plans by the end of April and for the contracts and grant applications to follow soon after.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to having the defences in place for Winter this year.

Louise Lang, Lib Dem Council Candidate for Leith Walk, which includes the Bonnington area, said "I am delighted to see the progress that Ross has made in such a short time, since taking responsibility for this issue. It is long overdue action from Labour and the residents of Bonnington deserve reassurance of the safety of their homes.

"To have the defences in place for the coming winter will hopefully put many minds at rest".

Tim McKay, council candidate for Stockbridge added, "I am delighted to see that progress is being made after years of in action from Labour. It is now important to make sure that the defences are in keeping with the character of the local community and Liberal Democrat councillors elected on May 3rd will work hard to achieve this."