July 2024 update

Overview

While activity may not be as visible as in months past, please be assured that a lot of work continues in the background to support a sustainable future for Brechin and its environs.

We are currently waiting for the final analysis of the flood prevention engineering report, and this will provide us with the options available to us and the associated costs. An Options Appraisal is also under way for the Council’s housing stock, once these reports are complete, which we hope will be around the end of the summer, we will then hold a programme of information events to share the findings and together with the community develop the engagement activity for the future options within the wider ambition for Brechin. Some of this will be dependent on the outcomes of the housing options work.

This work will be supported by the place framework which has recently been approved at Angus Council committee, with Brechin, along with Montrose, selected as the first towns to benefit from this approach. You can read the report here: A Framework Approach to Place Based Working

The next steps will include a community-based workshop, and other ongoing engagement as part of the place-based approach. We aim to hold the first one at the end of summer/early autumn, which will start to explore the options coming forward. This will be facilitated by Angus Council and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) who will be supporting all engagement for the next year. SCDC are the lead body for community development in Scotland. They have a vision of an active, inclusive and just Scotland where our communities are strong, equitable and sustainable.

Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that many residents and former residents of Brechin and its environs are still traumatised by the events of Storm Babet. The Brechin Community Drop In continues to run every Thursday from 9:30am to 12 noon at The Crickety.

Pop in for a cup of tea, a chat, or advice on issues relating to the impact of the storm, such as:

• money and benefits

• future flood protection

• insurance

• grants and funding: advice and help with applications

• emails and form-filling

• housing

• mental health and wellbeing

• and anything else you feel you need help with

You can also email us at Communityresilience@angus.gov.uk

Are You OK?

Developed by the Angus Mental Health & Wellbeing Network, the Are You Ok? campaign is running across Angus and provides mental health, wellbeing, suicide prevention and crisis support links – these can be used by individuals themselves, or to support those around them.

For more information visit:

Mental health, wellbeing, suicide prevention and crisis support links

Housing

We understand that many of you will still have questions about housing and as previously stated, we are actively looking at options for the area. This is a very complex process, involving detailed analysis of flood patterns, the likely impact of climate change increasing in the future and housing supply and demand across Angus and of course, the relative costs. All the options need to be thoroughly explored so this does take some time.

The community engagement phase of this options appraisal work has now been completed. There were over 130 responses to the survey, which included further thoughts and aspirations of local residents which were gathered during face-to-face appointments in early June.

All of the results are currently being analysed by the consultants, Arneil Johnston and we will confirm when this has been completed. The information from this report will form part of the engagement sessions with the community.

Remember, if you have any queries about housing, please email Sharon on BrechinMontroseCHT@angus.gov.uk, or call 07824 350883.

Waste Management

We continue to work on the stripping out of the ground floor properties and are continuing a general clean-up of the area. Remember that you can book any special uplifts if required from our website: Special Uplifts.

Infrastructure

Roads

As many of you will have witnessed, we continue our extensive programme of road repairs which has significantly improved the state of the roads. We would like to thank residents for their continued patience around diversions and temporary traffic lights required to allow for repairs to be completed.

Bridge of Dun

Work to the Grade A listed Bridge of Dun has progressed as we now have completed the ground investigations which inform the structural repairs required. We have carefully removed the damaged sections of the bridge and working with partner agencies, we have now completed the detailed designs required to restore the bridge. These have been submitted for a Listed Building Consent Application which is required before work can commence.

We fully recognise the historic importance of the Bridge of Dun and have always sought to re-construct the damaged bridge to replicate the original structure, using as much of the original stone as possible.

We are pleased to report that we have managed to preserve the stone face of the bridge so that once repairs completed, the bridge will look as it has always done. However, the internal structure of the bridge, which was completed in 1787, will be significantly strengthened.

Flood defences

Angus Council has commissioned JBA Consulting to undertake a study of the flood defences following the impacts of Storm Babet. The study aims to cover the following key areas:

  • Evaluating the current state of our flood defences.
  • Modelling of the flow of the River South Esk through Brechin during Storm Babet.
  • Determining the current level of protection provided by the defences, including the likelihood of them being overtopped in the future.
  • Identifying and assessing measures to reduce flood risk and enhance resilience against flooding from the South Esk.

An inspection has confirmed that the Flood Protection Scheme (FPS) infrastructure is in good condition, and we are confident that it provides the same protection as it did pre-Storm Babet. However, due to the growing impact of climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events, particularly in 2022 and 2023, this may not be sufficient to guarantee the same degree of flood protection.

We expect the JBA study to be completed within the next two months and it will provide valuable data which will help guide our future actions and decision-making.

It is important to recognise that any major infrastructure projects to significantly upgrade the Flood Prevention Scheme, even if feasible and affordable, would require considerable time for design, planning, procurement, and construction. Therefore, our preparations for this winter will focus on maintaining the current defences in their good condition and reviewing our resilience plans.

This includes the clearance of vegetation and trees along the River South Esk in Brechin which will be completed after the bird nesting season. While it may not have a substantial impact on flood protection, it is considered a good management practice in light of the information we have received so far from the ongoing study.

Angus Community Connector

The Angus Community Connector app helps you find all third sector organisations, services, community groups and social enterprises, in your area of Angus. This app, managed by Voluntary Action Angus, is a great resource for those looking for what is available in their area. We also have links to Angus wide services and national services and a form for adding new services.

To use the online version or find links for the mobile app, visit: https://anguscommunityconnector.org.uk/

Contacts and links

If you have any other issues or concerns you would like to raise, please contact us via the emergency centre email EmergencyCentre@angus.gov.uk

Share July 2024 update on Facebook Share July 2024 update on Twitter Share July 2024 update on Linkedin Email July 2024 update link