Prestwick flooding hotspots to receive Scottish Water 'first' as agency bids to tackle long running problem

Stuart Wilson

23 April 2024 at 8:28 am·2-min read

Previous flooding in Grangemuir Road -Credit:Ayrhire post

A pilot project bidding to target acute flooding in parts of Prestwick is under way this week.

Scottish Water is aiming a new scheme at a neighbourhood of around 250 properties, offering residents the chance to have planters and/or water butts installed free of charge. Maryborough Road, Grangemuir Road and Road are all part of the initiative.

Referred to as blue/green infrastructure, the equipment will capture rainwater runoff from roofs that can overwhelm the drainage system during heavy rainfall and help reduce the flood risk for residents further downstream.

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water's communications manager in the west, said: “We are delighted to get this pilot project off the ground and extremely hopeful residents ae keen to get involved. The target area falls within the boundaries of Maryborough Road, Grangemuir Road, Ayr Road (both sides), and the railway track. Residents there have been sent a letter explaining this unique opportunity, and our contractors Clancy will go door-to-door from Wednesday 24 April.

Customers will be asked if they would consider installation, and sign up for a roof assessment to establish the appropriate measures for their properties. Clancy will then return to install planters and water butts at a later date. They will be monitored and maintained by Scottish Water for two years.

Georgina added: “The planters look great and we’re sure they’ll be a welcome addition to many gardens in the area. After all, it’s for the good of the wider community.”

It follows decades of flooding problems in the town, which led to the formation of the Prestwick - Residents Action Against Flooding (P-RAAF) pressure group. The group has spent years exerting pressure on council and government agencies for funding support to repair the crumbling infrastructure beneath the road surfaces.

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