 New flood measures have been introduced in Selkirk |
Residents in a flood-prone area of Selkirk are set to get earlier warnings of potential problems. Scottish Borders Council is installing a tipping rain gauge which measures the intensity of rainfall and gives a flood risk warning before river levels rise.
The new gauge will be at the Long Philip Burn and will be linked to SBC's 24-hour call centre, Bordercare.
If there is very heavy rain a message will be sent and checks carried out on vulnerable areas.
Locations such as the A708 Bridge, Ravensheugh and Corbie Lynn will be inspected.
If these riverbanks are in danger of flooding, Bordercare will alert local flood group members by automated phone messages.
Protection warning
The Long Philip Burn is very short so there is little time between the rise in water levels and a flood developing.
The system detects the cause of flooding quickly so people can be warned to protect themselves and their property.
The north west area of Selkirk has suffered a number of floods in the last three years.
The most serious was a flash flood in the Bannerfield area of the town and nearby Broadmeadows on 31 May 2003, caused by an exceptionally heavy thunderstorm.
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