Street floods still an issue across Leith Walk ward

Areas of high density-population are most affected by flooding on streets and pavements, and it affects a large amount of private property.

Local Lib Dem Councillor Jack Caldwell asked the following set of questions to Cllr Scott Arthur, the Transport and Environment Convenor, at a recent meeting of the Council;

Can the Convener please confirm if (and how) population
density and number of residents being impacted by surface
water is factored when Council officers respond to;

Question (1)

Blocked drains and gully reports, and

Answer (1)

Population density and number of residents being impacted
is not generally a consideration when responding to blocked
drain and gully reports. Risk to public safety and disruption
to the transport network are ultimately the main drivers for
responses.

Question (2)

Active, ongoing flood and water-based emergencies; and

Answer (2)

When responding to flood events over multiple areas,
consideration may be given for prioritising areas with higher
number of residents. This depends on the nature and
severity of flooding.

Generally, the population density and number of residents
being impacted is not a primary consideration when
responding to emergencies.

Question (3)

New SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) project
requests / ideas

Answer (3)

New SUDS projects will be designed to take into
consideration the number of properties draining to the
system and any existing surface water issues in the area.
Population density is generally not a consideration for the
design of SUDS scheme

Cllr Caldwell added "I've been reporting and following up on various blocked drains around Leith, Hillside and Pilrig recently.

While the additional £2m for drains, flooding and gullies that we put in our alternate Lib Dem budget helps towards progress, we need to recognise that flooding issues affect densely populated areas like our community adversely.

Please report blocked gullies at edinburgh.gov.uk/gully"