New Cumnock’s flood prevention scheme could be done in half the time, if staff didn’t spend so much time ‘sitting around doing nothing’, according to one New Cumnock woman.

The 18-month project, which started in April 2021, will protect residential and commercial properties near the Afton Water and River Nith through a combination of engineering measures including 900 metres of earth embankments, 1,200m of reinforced concrete walls and 600m of riverbank strengthening.

One woman claimed to have seen workers taking prolonged lunch breaks and parts of the project the area not being touched for several months.

She told the Chronicle: “An 18-month project which could be done in half the time if the workers actually worked.

“Over five hours I watched them. They’ve not touched this area since February as they are waiting on materials seemingly. It’s now July – no company should take that long to get slabs surely.

“I have video footage of three-and-a-half hours at a time where nothing or very little is being done. I never approached them but have made it known to the company.

“Gardens were meant to get reinstated on July 1. Now they are saying they are waiting on materials.

“The local farmer has had nothing but hassle as well.”

The main contractor for the project is Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.

Despite the woman’s concerns about work being delayed, the company have said that everything is moving along according to plan.

A company representative said: “Works are ongoing as planned on the New Cumnock flood prevention scheme.

“Over the past couple of months, works have been focussed on the installation of 700m of rock armour to reinforce the River Afton riverbank and 300m of flood walls and embankments through the town to protect it from future flooding events.

“There are no delays due to material supply and the project is currently on target to finish at the start of next year as planned.”