October 2024 update

Infrastructure

Vegetation management of the gravel bar on the north side of the River South Esk was completed recently. This involved weeding out the plant-life to ensure the gravel bar is free to move during high river flow events. The River South Esk is a highly mobile river containing high amounts of gravel that will naturally move downstream during high flow.

The final part of the Brechin Bridge repairs has been completed.

The repairs to the centre pier involved the replacement of stone sections that were individually cut to fit into the structure.

The stone was specifically chosen to blend with the existing stonework over time. As the bridge is a listed structure, we ensured the new stone was of a similar colour, texture and density to the existing stone.

Housing

Housing will continue to carry out walkabouts in the area, checking for vandalism or fly tipping. If you see anything, call your local housing officer Sharon Bell on 07824350883.

Thanks to everyone for your cooperation with the collection of the dehumidifiers. If anyone still has a dehumidifier in their property, please call Sharon Bell on 07824350883 to arrange collection.

Angus Council's housing team is currently calling tenants to check-in and see what support and advice is needed.

SCDC Support for Brechin

Scottish Community Development Centre (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.

They work directly with:

  • community groups and organisations
  • community development practitioners
  • government and other policy makers
  • local partnerships and agencies across Scotland who want to involve communities in their work

In Brechin, SCDC are working with Angus Council and will establish a small steering group to help shape and guide that work.

The steering group will be made up of local authority housing residents, housing associations tenants, people who rent from private landlords and homeowners, as well as representatives from local businesses within the Brechin River Street Area.

The group is an essential part of the recovery work in the area and will play a crucial role in directing SCDC’s work, ensuring that all local voices are heard and involved in decision making. It will represent local experience and knowledge in the plans for the future of the area, looking at resilience and area-based plans.

Residents and local business will be contacted shortly with a view to an initial meeting being arranged to set out the scope and role for the group and next steps.

Watch this space, but please email communityresilience@angus.gov.uk if you have any questions.

Health and wellbeing

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

Please feel free to 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

Community Resilience Drop-in

There will be drop-ins on Thursday 24 October and Thursday 7 November from 9:30am to 12 noon at The Crickety in Brechin, DD9 7EB. These will focus on community resilience.

Scottish Flood Forum will be there on 24 October with advice and support on insurance and property flood protection.

SSEN will be attending on the 7 November to give information on their Get Ready for Winter Campaign.

Come along and have a cuppy and chat.

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.

Link workers and telephone befriending

Visit the Voluntary Action Angus website to find out more about:

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