Ministers confirm Public Local Inquiry for Whitesands

The raised walkway design was presented in December 2016 Credit: ITV Border

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will hold a Local Public Inquiry to investigate whether the preferred design for the Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme will go ahead.

This comes after Dumfries and Galloway Council's request to Scottish Ministers.

Following the inquiry, ministers will either:

  • Confirm the scheme without modifications

  • Confirm the scheme with modifications

  • Reject the scheme

The raised walkway design was presented to the Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee and Full Council in December 2016.

The original design was put forward in 2012, and has since been significantly changed with the help of public feedback.

The cost of the plans are said to have now risen to £25million.

On receiving the information from the Government, the Leader of the Council said:

The area is hit by flooding every couple of years Credit: ITV Border

The Depute Leader of the Council added:

Following confirmation of the inquiry, Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell has stepped up his calls for the Whitesands Flooding Scheme to be axed.

Oliver Mundell with local shopkeeper, Don Irving Credit: Mundell Media

Mr Mundell has raised concerns over the flooding plans since being elected last year: