FLOOD UPDATE: Wheelhouse: '˜There has been no let up'

Heavy rain during last night and this morning has resulted in flooding and traffic chaos across the region once again.

In Hawick, the Haugh’s store of sandbags has been opened, and the Health Centre on Teviot Road has been closed. Patient appointments have been cancelled, an people are advised to call 01450 370999, in the case of emergencies only. Car owners on Teviot Crescent, Duke Street, Commercial Road, Mansfield Road, Sandbed, Noble Place and The Haugh are being urged to move their vehicles to higher ground as soon ass possible.

A flood warning has been issued for the Eddleston Water at Peebles.

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According to SEPA: “Heavy rain falling on saturated ground is resulting in river levels rising on the Eddleston Water.

“There is a risk of flooding to low lying land and properties near to the Eddleston Water. Areas of risk include Crossburn Caravan Park, March Street Lane, Cuddyside, and Biggiesknowe.

“Scottish Borders Council’s nearest sandbag store is located at the Fire Station on Caledonian Road in Peebles.”

heavy rain and flooding has also affected access to St Abbs, with bus services avoiding the village, and the roundabouts at either end of Berwick’s bypass.

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In Chirnside, traffic is being directed through the village. The A66105 is flooded, and emergency services are on the scene dealing with the waters.

25.6mm of rain has fallen in the last 48 hours, meaning flooding is possible along the border and in north Northumberland.

Following the severe flooding and weather warnings across the Scottish Borders caused by continuous heavy rain over yesterday and today, Paul Wheelhouse MSP (SNP South Scotland) said: “My heart goes out to those flooded in December and now facing further disruption as a result of ex-storm Jonas. I know, after speaking to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform’s office today, that the Scottish Government Resilience team convened last night in order to prepare for today’s eventualities and I know that the Scottish Borders Council resilience team continue to work hard to ensure up-to-date information is provided to residents and business owners across the region.

“I have also spoken with the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP, to ensure he is aware of the full extent of the flooding in the Scottish Borders and to request that flexibility be allowed for Scottish Borders Council in the event of further funding being requested and Mr Swinney was sympathetic to the plight of people in the region and has assured me that he is aware of the situation.

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“With the continuous rain falling on already saturated ground and the river levels remaining high since December there has just been no let up for folk and it is devastating to see – I know the feeling as my office has also partially flooded again after having also flooded during Storm Desmond on 5th December. Once again I thank the Hawick Flood Group for being on hand immediately to assist my staff and other residents and business owners throughout the town.

“Given the rapid escalation to a flood warning this morning as the rivers responded quickly to the rain it is clear that areas around rivers and flood water throughout the region will remain dangerous for some time – I would urge residents to please take notice of the advice from the emergency services not to travel unless absolutely essential, to check the Council’s webpages on road closures locally before travelling and, if out and about on foot, to please avoid riverbanks or areas near flooding.”