Public consultation on Dumfries Whitesands flood defence scheme delayed due to coronavirus

A six-week period of public consultation on the Whitesands flood defence scheme process has been delayed until at least December.

Plans for the controversial £25 million project were due to be published in March but were pushed back because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The six week period in which the public could object to the process was due to start this month but has been delayed again after a debate at the communities committee.

Abbey ward councillor Ian Blake said: “The report said ‘as pandemic restrictions have now been eased’, the six week notice was now being started.

“Coronavirus is certainly not over and the probability of further restrictions is highly likely and this may well prevent the public the opportunity to comment on the process for a scheme that many strongly object to.”

“James McLeod, infrastructure manager for the council, said the authority had taken advice from legal services before delaying the proce