A FLOOD-HIT community in New Cumnock can finally relax when the East Ayrshire rain turns nasty.

Work is now underway at the Leggate as part of the £4.7m flood protection scheme with a delegation from the council there to see the initial stages.

Contractor Barhale Construction PLC has been appointed to construct phase one of the project that will take in the region of 18 weeks to complete.

Preparatory works have already been completed on site including the diversion of a major high pressure water main.

The water main diversion was a significant part of the project with the work being carried out by Innovative Utilities (UK) Ltd.

Council leader Douglas Reid was joined at the Leggate by councillors Jim Roberts, Billy Crawford, Jim McMahon, Jacqui Todd and Walter Young.

Representatives from several local community organisations were also in attendance as the specialist team got down to business.

Mr Reid said: “The flood prevention works will protect the properties in the immediate vicinity of the Connel Burn from future flooding.

“The works will be a combination of engineering measures, earth embankments and reinforced concrete walls that have been specially designed to contain any flood waters within the Connel Burn.

“Our contractors will also be re-profiling the ground and the existing burn bank to allow excess waters to be re-directed downstream of the Connel Burn Bridge.

“Once this phase of work is completed the Roads Maintenance Unit will adjust the profile of the B741 carriageway to complement the works.

“I am really pleased that the works have now started and I would like to thank the local community for their support and their patience.

“The flooding that they experienced in the past was devastating and we are committed to ensuring that homes are protected and safe by developing this extensive flood prevention scheme.”

Later this year, phase two of the works will start with flood prevention measures being installed along both banks of the Afton Water, New Cumnock that will protect homes on either side of the river.

Discussions are ongoing with the Statutory Undertakers and also with local landowners to ensure that all access permissions are agreed to allow construction work to go ahead as soon as is possible.

Mr Roberts, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, added: “I am very pleased that our contractors are on site and that work has started on the New Cumnock Flood Prevention Scheme.

The works at the Leggate and at Afton Water are complicated and require detailed planning.

“Phase two will see earth bunds and concrete walls being erected on both sides of the Afton Water; protecting homes from future flooding.

“We are pleased that due to the advanced development of the project by the council, the Scottish Government has agreed to provide significant funding of up to 80 per cent of the eligible costs involved in delivering these important flood management schemes.

“Overall, it is great news for New Cumnock that this long standing issue is being addressed.”

There was cross-party approval from all four Cumnock/New Cumnock councillors with MSP Graeme Pearson’s initial intervention being recognised.

Billy Crawford said: “It has taken four years to progress and despite the public’s perception that’s quick work.

“I feel I also have to personally thank Mr Pearson for his efforts in getting the scheme under way.”

Jim McMahon said the work will go a long way to alleviate the fears and anxieties regarding flooding the residents in Connel Park have endured over many years.

Jacqui Todd added; “I remain committed to ensuring that phase one and two of the works are completed as swiftly as possible.”

Meanwhile Walter Young echoed Mr Crawford’s thanks to the former MSP Graeme Pearson who ‘supported the community and worked tirelessly’ in getting the scheme moving.

Mr Pearson hosted a series of public meetings when he was MSP for South Scotland, during which he demanded action following two severe floods, 12 months apart.