Praise flows Flood Group's way
FIVE of Hawick's bridges are to be fitted with marker boards to help townsfolk monitor the river levels.
The move is the latest achievement of the recently formed Hawick Flood Group, whose volunteers are making huge strides to provide assistance to townsfolk in the event of a deluge like that of October 2005.
A flood prevention technician at Scottish Borders Council has approved marker boards which will have a centre line on each board, and will be fitted to the middle of the upstream side at Mansfield Road and Duke Street, the upstream side of Victoria Bridge at Commercial Road and the Little Haugh, the upstream side of the Lawson Bridge at the Common Haugh, the downstream side of Kirkwynd Bridge at Slitrig Crescent, and also the downstream side of Crowbyres Bridge.
Four extra boards have also been ordered for any additional locations which are identified.
A leaflet-drop by the group has also resulted in a significant increase in the number of residents registering with the council's automated flood-warning system.
And their success been highly praised by SBC Flood Prevention Officer, Jim Gill. He told the Hawick News: "I think the Hawick Flood Group is tremendous and the progress and work they are doing is first rate. The number of volunteers involved and the way they have gotten together and moved forward, is certainly a great example for other towns."
In the event of a flood, the group – which comprises of ten area co-ordinators – has identified areas where residents will require assistance. And if a severe flood occurs, they have secured the use of the Future Hawick office in Lovel Court as its headquarters, whilst the Salvation Army and Teviotdale Leisure Centre have offered to provide shelter for residents affected. There are also plans to execute a 'dry run' of these procedures.
Flood Group chairman and councillor Stuart Marshall commented: "The flood markers mean that for folk living there it is an indication of how fast the river is going up, or dropping.
"The group is proving a great example of teamwork and of the community pulling together.
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Weather for Hawick
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
