South-West Scotland hit by 2009 floods: has much changed?

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Credit: ITV Border

A problem dating back to the early 1900s - some of the the earliest footage shows flooding in Dumfries Whitesands. Five years ago the picture looked all too familiar as businesses and homes were deluged in November 2009 with wettest day since records began.

Last year Dumfries and Galloway Council released plans for a multi-million pound flood defence scheme. But as it stands, no work has yet begun.

Councillor Colin Smyth is from Dumfries and Galloway Council:

The council claims that the Scottish Government has not yet committed any funding to the scheme- which is delaying plans moving forward. However the Environment Minister says they're waiting on more from the council.

The flood defence plans will see the current car park move away from the Whitesands, the bus stops will also move and new flood barriers put in place.

Image of what it will look like after the new flood barriers are put in place, after the car park and bus stops are moved Credit: Scottish Borders Council

But the proposals haven't been welcomed by everyone. Some local business are worried that moving the cars away from the area will be detrimental to their livelihood and are urging the council to learn from other local authorities:

Jacquie Brown has run her award-winning beauty salon from the Whitesands for the past 26 years. She's in favour of what the council is planning and is looking forward to welcoming people back into the town.

Jacquie Brown is in favour of what the council is planning. Credit: ITV Border

Dumfries and Galloway isn't the only region in the South of Scotland to have suffered from severe flooding. Over in the Scottish Borders the likes of Galashiels, Selkirk and Jedburgh have also been badly affected but the key difference is that you can physically see what progress has been made.

In Selkirk work is underway to build new flood defences, Jedburgh has already had new flooding grills installed and Galashiels flood prevention scheme was officilly opened at the beginning of the month

The council hopes the same can happen in Dumfries.

Flooding in 2009 Credit: ITV Border

The latest council plans will go out for public consultation next month. But as it stands, if Dumfries was to be hit by severe weather again this winter, it would be as vulnerable as ever.