Flood Scheme and Climate Resilient opportunities discussed at Hawick workshop
Published on Thu 21 Jan 2016
Recreation, energy, the local economy and natural flood management were among the opportunities highlighted at a joint workshop for the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and the Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project.
Members of the public, community groups and politicians attended the event on Monday, held in Hawick Baptist Church’s community hub.
The workshop was held in the wake of last month’s devastating flooding in Hawick, which was one of the main topics discussed.
With experts from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in attendance, Teries reflected on their experiences of the flooding in early December 2015, and how the community was affected.
The workshop then focussed on what changes people would like to see in Hawick in the future, before a presentation was given on Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and discussions held over the opportunities it presents to deliver wider benefits for the town.
A number of ideas came forward from the workshop, with some attendees volunteering to help develop these in the coming months.
The ideas included:
- Improved walk and cycle ways to enhance the riverside experience
- Incorporating nature and heritage trails along the river
- Improved links and signage to businesses and attractions through the town
- Public art and considerations of aesthetics
- Natural flood management
- Education
- Renewable energy
The next joint workshop will take place in Hawick on Wednesday 23 March, with further details to follow.
Hawick Flood Protection Scheme is currently in its outline design phase. The workshop was held not only to get the views of residents but also to include ideas from the community in the design of the scheme.
The Flood Protection Scheme team is also looking to understand any concerns with the project so that issues can be resolved now, rather than later which could lead to delays to the scheme.
The Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project is one of two in the UK to be funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation climate change and communities programme.
The £100,000 Resilient Communities project is aiming to help the Council work alongside local resilience community groups, with Hawick, Newcastleton and Peebles chosen to take part in the 16 month programme.
Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Environment, Councillor Ron Smith, said: “Both of these projects require public involvement and I am delighted that this event was so well attended by the community and local groups, with people contributing great ideas.
“These projects could not just lead to better protection from flooding but potentially improve the lives of Hawick’s residents, so it is crucial the public continue to engage with both initiatives, including the next workshop on 23 March.
“As well as the next workshop, there will be other events this year which will give the public the chance to discuss the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project.”
Anyone seeking more information can contact Scottish Borders Climate Resilient Communities project officer Esther Carmen by email at esther.carmen@scotborders.gov.uk or phone 07552 191909, or Shirley Mushet, Hawick FPS project manager, by email shirley.mushet@scotborders.gov.uk or phone 01835 824000.
Anyone with views, wishing to assist or lend their support to the Scheme, is encouraged to email HawickFloodPS@scotborders.gov.uk or visit www.hawickfloodscheme.com for further information.
The Hawick Flood Protection Scheme features in the latest news bulletin by Voice of My Own (VOMO) TV – www.vomo.tv.