Dumfries businesses on the Whitesands are counting the cost of another weekend of flooding.
Ivano’s takeaway owner Carol Williamson is at the end of her tether after the fire brigade had to pump gallons of water out of her premises.
She said: “We’re one the worst affected business along the Whitesands.
“We have a swimming pool in our shop. We had to get the fire brigade to come out on Sunday to come and pump water out for three hours.
“On Friday night we celebrated 15 years of being in business then we were flooded again. We’ve been resilient as it has happened a lot but enough is enough.
“They talk about Save our Sands and Save our Seagulls ... but what about Save our Shops? It’s time for change to save Dumfries.
“Climate change isn’t going away and flooding will become more prevalent.”
She added: “In December and this weekend I phoned the council to find out information about the flooding. I was directed to 101 which is an emergency number for the police. It’s bang out of order.”
There were similar frustrations in nearby Brewery Street which suffered the worst of the flooding at around 10pm on Saturday.
Liz Thomson, of Ye Olde Friars Vaults pub, said: “Water was everywhere. We got flooded last week as well but it wasn’t as bad as this weekend.
“The police came to warn us beforehand and that’s been it. The council were outside and left sandbags on the Sunday last week and came and took them back first thing on the Monday. But nobody has come in to see how we’re getting on.
“Friends, family and customers have been helping us after the flooding. Nobody else. We get no help whatsoever.
“We spent Sunday getting the place tidied up. We weren’t planning on opening on Monday either but we’ve still got bills and staff to pay.”
And Willie Potts of the Cafe Piccolo said: “We’ve had worse but it’s still time consuming. We were in here until 2.30am on Sunday.
“But I would rather lose a day’s business than deal with what the council has proposed for the Whitesands flood defence scheme.”
The council issued more than 500 sandbags to properties on and around the Whitesands and offered advice to businesses.
A council spokesperson said: “We have offered the subsidised flood protection products scheme to residential and business properties.
“A number have taken that up and are able to protect their property more effectively than relying on sandbags. The subsidy scheme still exists and people can find out more at www.dumgal.gov.uk/flooding.
“Preparedness is important so all in flood risk areas are recommended to sign up to SEPA’s Floodline service – www.sepa.org.uk/floodline - to receive flood alerts and warnings.
“We had staff on site on Whitesands at the weekend, but they were also required at other locations.
“Staff were on site once water levels reduced to begin the clear-up of the Whitesands on Sunday morning, and had the road and car parks back open again during the afternoon.”
