Funding could be available to tackle long-standing flooding problems

The chairman of the authority's planning and environment committee, George McBurnie, wants a plan for the river Nith drawn up immediately.

He believes that would enable cash to be drawn down from the Scottish Executive to tackle long-standing flooding problems in Dumfries.

He said it was a "golden opportunity" to end years of difficulties.

"Flooding has been a problem in Dumfries, and in particular the Whitesands, for many years," he said.

"Now that there is the opportunity of funding for flood prevention work I want to ensure that we do not miss out.

"I understand that a fund of �89m is presently available for flood alleviation work, but we must act and I mean act now.

"The shopkeepers in that area have suffered for too many years now and this is a golden opportunity."

At its worst the Nith can flood up into Friars Vennel

A report will be brought back to the September meeting of the committee to see if a funding application can be put together.

If successful up to 80% of the total project costs can be met by the executive.

The call has been backed by Dumfries' Labour MSP Elaine Murray.

"I welcome the call to initiate a flood prevention project on the Whitesands," she said.