Flood-hit Scots 'being let down by chaotic responses from councils and water bosses'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Flood-hit Scots are being let down by chaotic responses from councils and water bosses, a new study has warned. Poor communication and buck-passing are rife among the public institutions who are supposed to tackle flooding in local communities, academics found.The report, by Glasgow Caledonian University, said the result was locals left “under-prepared” for deluges - and frustrated by slow and haphazard responses from the authorities.

Researchers warned attempts to create “progressive” flood policies in Scotland were falling short in practice and risked worsening inequalities and weakening community defences.The study highlighted two examples of neighbourhoods in Renfrewshire and Glasgow left vulnerable to flooding by institutional failings.

In Gallowhill, Paisley - one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland - one street, Cluny Drive, has faced being routinely submerged for years by heavy rainfall.Our sister title the Paisley Daily Express told last year of local resident Betty Johnston’s plight as she frequently was forced to wade through water to get in and out of her house.

She said last February: “I just feel as if I’m banging my head against a brick wall,” Betty said. “When I report it to Renfrewshire Council , they’ll say they’ll get someone out to look at it. “I’ve been on to Scottish Water , who say it’s not really their problem, it’s a drainage problem.