Kirkcudbright business owners have given the thumbs up to news that flood alleviation works are finally to get under way.
Scottish Water will upgrade a pumping station in Harbour Square as part of a programme to reduce sewer flooding risk in the town.
Existing infrastructure will be refurbished and new manhole covers and equipment installed, the utility said.
A section of the car park will be blocked off and two way temporary traffic lights will in operation on Beaconsfield Place.
Contractors will be on site on October 24 and the work is expected to last for three weeks.
Ian Cameron Smith, whose Woodstock Interiors workshop at Beaconsfield Place was flooded out four times in 2019-20, said: “I’m delighted to hear this.
“Scottish Water have been very supportive of us when we got flooded previously, installed flood doors at their expense and settled our claims.
“But this is even better news and is following up with a permanent solution.
“I’m sure all the small businesses in the area will be delighted.”
Scottish Water project manager for the works James Tomas said: “We recognise the importance of this area to the community.
“We have worked with the local events committee to find a date which doesn’t disrupt local events while also completing the work before the winter.
“We would like to thank locals and visitors in advance for their patience while we carry out this work.”
Local MSP Finlay Carson said it was “welcome” to see Scottish Water investing further in protecting the town from flooding.
He said: “Weather mapping suggests we are more likely to see more severe periods of rainfall in the future.
“So it is key that Scottish Water and other relevant agencies continue to invest in the resilience of our drainage and sewer systems.
“I first became involved in this project quite some time ago when a number of businesses in Beaconsfield Place were flooded.
“It has taken some time to get to this stage but I am pleased that we now can see the works being completed.”
“That will avoid disrupting the events which Kirkcudbright is now well known for hosting and which bring many visitors to the town boosting our local economy.”
