West Lothian councillors are encouraging residents to take proactive measures in tackling flooding by advocating for the removal of paving stones to improve natural drainage in the area. The call for action comes amidst changing weather patterns leading to an increased risk of flooding in the region. As storms become more frequent and intense, there is a growing need to address drainage issues to prevent flooding.
At a recent council meeting, it was highlighted that historic drainage systems, particularly Victorian-era infrastructure, are struggling to cope with the volume of rainfall during severe storms, resulting in flooding in areas like Bathgate. To address this challenge, councillors have put forward a proposal inspired by the Netherlands’ innovative approach to flood resilience.
In the Netherlands, a campaign called Tegelwippen encourages households to remove paved areas in their gardens, a practice known as “tile-flipping,” to enhance natural drainage. This initiative has seen significant success in re-greening landscapes and reducing flood risk, with councils even providing services to collect unwanted paving slabs.
Councillor Pauline Stafford, drawing from her experience living in the Netherlands, emphasised the effectiveness of such measures to mitigate flooding. She highlighted the importance of communities coming together to implement similar strategies to safeguard against the impact of heavy rainfall and reduce the reliance on emergency measures like sandbags.
The council’s approach to flooding also emphasises the importance of property owners taking responsibility for protecting their homes during floods. While the council’s primary role is to ensure public safety and maintain essential services, residents are encouraged to implement measures to reduce flood risk, with the council supporting initiatives where resources permit.
The proposed sandbag policy outlines specific conditions under which the council will provide assistance, including prioritising situations where there is a risk to life or property, ensuring emergency service access, and safeguarding critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. These measures aim to enhance community resilience and minimise the impact of flooding events.
By promoting initiatives like Tegelwippen and implementing strategic flood response policies, West Lothian councillors are taking proactive steps to address the growing threat of flooding in the region. Through community engagement and collaborative efforts, residents can play a crucial role in enhancing flood resilience and safeguarding their homes against potential risks.