Moray will press ahead with plans to undertake a joint initiative with Scottish Water that could result in a new sewer system for Forres.
Last month members of the economic development and infrastructure services committee agreed a contribution of £35,000 towards a joint project that would look at the entire sewer catchment area covering Forres and neighbouring Kinloss and Findhorn.
The scheme is one of 15 throughout the country where integrated catchment studies are proposed over the next six years – each expected to contribute greatly to the reduction of flood risk in affected communities.
On Tuesday members of the policy and resources committee ratified the earlier decision, confirming that the local authority would go ahead with the project. Moray’s financial contribution represents around 19% of the total project cost of £187,000.
The project will meet a Scottish Government requirement that local authorities assist in the preparation of surface water management plans. Of the fifteen areas identified under the scheme five are in Moray – in Forres, Buckie, Keith, Rothes and Elgin.
Welcoming the move is Forres councillor George Alexander, who told the Press & Journal: “This is long overdue – at the moment there is much confusion about where all the sewers and drains are in Forres and this should help identify where everything is and what size it is as well.
“The only concern I have is it is up to Scottish Water when this study is carried out – it has to be some time in the next six years but I hope it is well before that.”
At the earlier meeting on October 1 councillors heard that Scottish Water would undertake all fifteen studies over the next six years, however there was insufficient industry resources to undertake them simultaneously.