Musselburgh Flood Report

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, today welcomed East Lothian Council’s decision to publish a report into the potential risk of flooding in the Musselburgh area. The report, which was commissioned and received by East Lothian Council in August 2012, was subject to a Freedom of Information request by Colin earlier this year.

The report is a detailed assessment of the flood risk in Musselburgh and was carried out by Jacob’s Engineering Group Ltd. One of the most recent studies prior to this was from 1993, and this study was only preliminary in nature. The report by Jacob’s is now available from East Lothian Council at;

 http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/7648/musselburgh_flood_study_report

It concludes that the current modelling indicates extensive areas are likely to be at significant risk of flooding, and that further assessment is required to consider the viability of flood mitigation measures.

Colin Beattie said, “I welcome East Lothian Council’s decision to publish this report. Transparency is fundamental in these issues. The people of Musselburgh have a right to know whether the chances of flooding, and the considerable damage that can be caused, are likely to increase significantly in the future.

“Over the festive period we have seen flooding affect many parts of the country, including isolated incidents in Musselburgh itself. Being on the River Esk, Musselburgh has not been immune to flooding in the past and, according to the report, will not be immune to it in future. We have to be able to prepare ourselves for any eventuality.

“My thanks go to East Lothian Council for working with the Scottish Information Commissioner. I encourage all Musselburgh residents to read the report to see how they may be affected. I have written to the leader of East Lothian Council asking for details of what action the Council has taken to follow through on recommendations made in this report. I have also sought a meeting with Mr Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, to alert him to the report and to discuss my concerns.”