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Managing your flood risk: Will you get bags from the new Galashiels sandbag store?

9 June

As part of an on-going programme to support people at risk from flooding, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has now added to the network of 'self-help' sandbag stores with an additional store now in place at Galashiels Fire Station.

Ian Hogarth, the Council's Emergency Planning Officer, said: "The Council recognises that a number of towns in the Borders are vulnerable to flooding and a programme to deliver flood protection schemes is underway but will take some years to deliver. Meanwhile, we are taking a number of steps to assist and support people who find their homes or businesses at risk."

The new, self-help sandbag store at Galashiels Fire Station is one of 16 spread across the Council area and holds a small stock of sandbags that are available to people who are caught out by flooding. The Council has also made synthetic sandbags available for sale at cost price from all its contact centres.

These lightweight bags are a much better option for anyone unable to deal with the traditional sandbags. An additional scheme to offer subsidised flood protection products was successfully piloted in Hawick and Newcastleton last year and is currently being rolled out to other towns in the Borders. Galashiels householders who are in the flood warning group will be offered the subsidised products later this year.

Ian Hogarth said: "Scottish Borders Council will always do what it can to assist during flooding emergencies but we cannot relieve people of the responsibility to protect their own properties. If you consider your home or business is located in an 'at risk' area it is much better to prepare in advance to protect your property. A leaflet that explains the Council's policy on assistance during flooding and showing the location of all self-help sandbag stores is available from contact centres or from Emergency Planning at Council H.Q. in Newtown St Boswells."

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