SHANDON residents have hit out at “a series of hollow promises” from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as they continue to suffer from flooding caused by a collapsed pipe.
Homeowners living near the Kirk Brae and Chapel burns have reported extensive damage to their properties as a result of water cascading down from an embankment.
In December the Advertiser told how a blocked culvert on the West Highland railway line, and then heavy rainfall, had sparked a deluge of flood water at brought a deluge of flood water which consumed several gardens in the village.
The problem was first identified back in October and is the latest in a long list of similar issues stretching back 25 years.
READ MORE: Shandon residents' flood fears as village homes are 'deluged'
Temporary pumps were subsequently installed and locals were informed that the MoD, which owns the area of land, was working with Network Rail (NR) to find a solution.
However, almost four months on from the initial incident, affected residents have still not been given peace of mind.
Tim Henderson, who lives at the top of Kirk Brae, said the pumps installed to improve the situation do not have the capacity to cope during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, and he is desperate for a positive and swift outcome for all involved.
Mr Henderson said: “On October 13, residents were advised by the MoD that following the finalisation of the NR investigations the following week, the proposal was that the MoD would instruct NR to arrange all works and the MoD would pay for their share of the costs.
“We’re very angry and frustrated that It is now mid-February and the MoD still have not instructed NR to proceed.
“During the elapsed few months increasing damage is being done to walls, driveways and paths.
“Why can the MoD not immediately face up to their responsibilities and instruct Network Rail to proceed with repairs?”
At the February meeting of Rhu and Shandon Community Council, it was claimed that if the issue had been directly affecting the Royal Navy base at Faslane, then it “would most likely be sorted within 24 hours”.
READ MORE: Airbnb mansion in Rhu 'still on our radar', say Helensburgh police
Jean Cook, commenting on behalf of the community council, said: “Since the source of the flooding was identified in October as a collapsed pipe on MoD land, the residents have been told many times that the MoD and Network Rail are working together to develop a successful solution.
“These assurances sound very hollow as the flood waters continue to inundate gardens, threaten stone walls and have even reached the service road on the loch side.
“This is an appalling situation for the residents affected and the MoD/Defence Estates do not appear to be taking it very seriously at all.”
An MoD spokesperson said an extra surface water pump had been provided by Network Rail, at the MoD’s request, before Storm Ciara, along with a further pump prior to Storm Dennis.
READ MORE: Helensburgh's MSP slams "short-sighted" decision to shut outdoor centre in Shandon
The spokesperson added: “We’re continuing to work towards resolving this issue and have prepared the preliminary design and costs for its construction.
“We’re working with Network Rail to drain the site in the interim.”
A timeline for the completion of the work is still to be confirmed.
READ MORE: Click here for all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here