EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO roads at a Moray coastal community are to be undertaken follow a near-disaster brought about by torrential rain earlier this month.
However, fears remain that similar conditions could spell disaster for homes in Portknockie unless more is done to protect them.
Residents are taking action on their own account, banding together to clear blocked drains that they say contributed to the situation that saw two homes perilously close to falling onto the harbour below after the landslip on September 13.
Local Keith and Cullen councillor Donald Gatt confirmed that emergency repairs on road in the village have been approved but added: “The concern is that if there is a big heavy rainfall in future.
“Part of the problem seems to be the drains, which have been there since the year dot and they cannot cope with the amount of water that is coming into the village from the ground above it.
“Part of Harbour Road has been undermined and is looking a bit dodgy – so it is good to know that work has now been approved to protect it. There are four or five areas that have been affected so it is important that everyone’s concerns are listened to.”
Scottish Water has said a member of their local team has inspected one property in the village following a report of internal flooding, but found that it was not linked to their network: “Flooding is a complex issue – typically with a number of sources and mechanisms – and periods of intense rainfall can impact on sewers and road drains.
“We will be happy to work with local stakeholders to investigate any issues that relate to our network in the area.”