Council cash 'tight' to fix Oban sewage floods
Calls have been made for a solution to be found to consistent flooding and sewage issues at Lochavullin Industrial Estate in Oban, where many businesses and supermarkets are sited, but a councillor admits that money for one is tight.
Local councillors faced a question from Frank Roberts, convener of Oban Community Council, regarding the issue at a public meeting.
The Oban Times reported last month on flooding and raw sewage issues at LMS Auto Services in Lochavullin.
The meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee took place on Wednesday, March 6.
Mr Roberts said: “The flooding resulted in a number of very serious incidents and council officers are to be congratulated on their response.
“One incident was flooding at Lochavullin. We all know this flooding is a continuing problem and has been for many years, and a permanent solution will depend on securing significant funding.
“The recent meeting of Oban Community Council was attended by a business owner who has a garage business in the area. He has to deal with raw sewage flooding into his premises.
“I am sure you will agree this is a serious health risk for him and his staff. The property is leased from the council.
“When will his problem with sewage prevention be addressed, and will the council commit to a definite date by which this will be dealt with?
“Does the council have a plan to address the overall flooding problem, including short-term measures, and will it publish that plan with target dates to achieve this?
“Finally, will the area committee ask for a report on progress to be tabled at each subsequent meeting, so progress can be monitored?”
Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles) responded: “Everything you say is absolutely valid, but I think you need to be mindful of the economic circumstances, not just in Argyll and Bute but in the country at the moment.
“I am preparing a paper addressing issues that have affected the islands which were first raised by the secretary of state for Scotland, Gordon Campbell, in August 1973.
“In 1974 the government changed and these matters went into abeyance. Virtually every government since has been juggling with reducing resources.
“The countries that make up the UK are in decline and have been since that time. As you have said, with the flooding event, the council operatives were remarkable with what they managed to achieve.
“We do get some funding from the Scottish Government, but that puts further pressure on the council budget. Governments do not have a big piggy bank that they can just go to.
“Yes, the issue has to be addressed, but the roads department is £100 million behind the curve to bring things across Argyll and Bute up to normal levels.”
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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