The council’s environment champion is calling for an investigation after catastrophic flooding almost claimed the lives of three people near Dalry.
Dee and Glenkens councillor Dougie Campbell wants an action plan put in place to ensure public safety in the future.
Glenlee mum Nikki Campbell and baby daughter Rhea were saved by local heroes George Winder, Bob Peace and two police officers after their car was submerged by the River Ken on the A762 on December 10.
Workers from Galloway Hydro Scheme owners Drax also saved an elderly man from his car nearby after it became engulfed.
Councillor Campbell told the News: “I was shocked when I heard the full circumstances of this flooding incident which could have had a much more serious outcome.
“I spoke to Nikki Campbell after the incident and although I’m pleased to say that she and her wee daughter Rhea have recovered it was clearly a very distressing incident for them both.
“I particularly want to thank everyone involved in the rescue and their quick response but we now need to understand why this flood happened and take action to make sure an incident like this doesn’t happen again.
“That’s why I’ve called for an investigation by senior council officers in conjunction with Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and emergency services.”
Police, council, fire and rescue and Drax representatives met in Dumfries last week to discuss the next steps.
It followed local claims that opening the floodgates at Earlstoun Dam contributed to the flooding.
Drax categorically deny that and maintain that excessive rainfall alone was the cause.
A Drax spokesperson said: “At the meeting we said that where possible Drax was happy to assist the council and the police in putting out road closed signs following flood warnings until they can put more permanent arrangements in place.
“We agreed to meet again in the new year to discuss options for more permanent arrangements.”
Councillor Campbell added: “New measures were agreed to make sure that in future the road is closed on both sides as quickly as possible after a stage two flood warning is released.
