Argyll and Bute Council has set out progress in recovering from the extreme rainfall of 7 and 8 October, which caused landslips, debris, road and bridge damage and flooding in Oban1. In an update on its website, the council said its roads teams had cleared debris, repaired damage and rebuilt bridges, and had safely re-opened a number of routes1.
The council said the pumping systems in Oban worked throughout the event but were overwhelmed by the volume of water1. It has since put in an additional pump and repaired one of the original pumps, which was damaged by the extreme weather, and is progressing with the relocation of the control cabinet and replacement of the pumps1. SEPA leads the development and construction of flood protection schemes, the council said1.
On financial help, the council said it is not in a position to provide financial assistance itself, and that it triggered the Scottish Government's Bellwin Scheme for infrastructure costs but that the scheme does not allow support for communities1. It said it is raising the need for Scottish Government support for Argyll and Bute communities equal to that given to other areas after Storm Babet1. Free advice is available through Business Gateway on 01546 604555 or business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk, and businesses forced to close with a rates liability may apply for unoccupied rates relief through the Business Rates Team on 01586 555249 or ndr@argyll-bute.gov.uk1.
The routes the council listed as safely re-opened are set out below1.
| Route re-opened |
|---|
| A816 emergency diversion route |
| A816 Kilmelford Bridge |
| A816 Kilninver Bridge |
| B836 Glen Lean bridge route |
| A814 Glen Douglas |
| A815 Loch Eck |
| B840 Ford to Claddich |
| A815 north of St Catherine's |
| U18 Kilmore to Glen Lonan |
Why it matters for households
The update concerns households in Oban and across Argyll and Bute affected by the October rainfall, including those whose journeys depend on the roads and bridges listed. The council directs residents to its flood recovery support page, to SEPA for flood alerts, and to ready.scot and Floodline Scotland for information on dealing with flood risks to the home1. It notes that weather can sometimes affect power supplies and points to ready.scot for information and useful numbers, and links to actions on private water supplies potentially affected by flooding1. For trunk roads including the A83 and A85, it directs drivers to traffic.gov.scot, and asks passengers to check timetables before setting off1. The council says it is encouraging local people to support local businesses where they can1. Further detail on household preparations is in the guide to flooding, the guide to landslips after heavy rain and the guide to flood alerts and warnings.
What happens next
The council says it will share information on any routes for financial support for businesses through its business network, website and social media, and will apply for Scottish Government funding for an Oban flood protection scheme when applications open1. It refers readers to its latest disruption notice for roads and bridges still being worked on1.
Sources (1)
- Argyll and Bute moving on - weather 7/8 October | Argyll and Bute Council, argyll-bute.gov.uk
Landslips After Heavy Rain
