Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Annan on Wednesday to listen to concerns from residents after the “traumatic” flooding which swept away two historic footbridges over the river.
In addition to the loss of the Cuthbertson Memorial and Jubilee bridges, he heard about the wider issue of flooding in the town, particularly in the Charles Street area.
Mr Swinney said: “My reason to come today is a simple one, as a public representative I know many who have experienced flood damage and it is a traumatic experience.
“So it was important to experience that first-hand.”
The Scottish Government has triggered the Bellwin scheme of discretionary funding, which gives emergency financial assistance to local authorities, but Mr Swinney gave no pledges on how much would be provided.
He said: “I take away from this visit hearing about the resilience of the community, but also hearing from local residents who have suffered from damage which has been done and how the community feels about the loss of the two footbridges.
“The last point is the most complex and the one that needs a lot of good work between the Annan community and the local authority, the government will be a productive player.
“Clearly there is a loss of great significance, a priceless amenity.
“I think it’s important that the nature of these two bridges is respected.”
Mr Swinney added: “We have seen recently how local infrastructure, including bridges, can be closed or damaged by severe weather or disrepair.
“This is no more evident than here in Annan, where not one but two bridges were lost to the recent flooding – and I have heard first hand today just how deeply this can inconvenience residents and disrupt local economies.
“Reducing flood risk is a priority for the Scottish Government, and we will continue to support local authorities to deliver actions that protect our communities.
“My sympathy is with those who are most affected by these floods – I am sure they are as grateful as I am for the rapid response by emergency services, local resilience partnerships in both Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, and the public for their assistance in dealing with the impact.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Sean Marshall, chairman of the Annan Regeneration Steering Group, is supporting plans for the creation of a working group involving townspeople to look at replacing the bridges.
He said: “Hopefully this will be agreed after the public meeting to be held on Thursday, November 11,
“Last Thursday, in a matter of seconds, the force of the water in the River Annan swept away 125 years of history by destroying the Jubilee and Cuthbertson Bridges.
“On Friday, the community came together to begin the first steps on the long journey to replace at least one of these bridges.”
“Nostalgia and emotions are naturally running high at the moment but there is a lot of work ahead of us.”
