COUNCIL chiefs have drawn up a plan to reduce flooding in North Ayrshire.

The wide-ranging Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan identifies areas which may be prone to flooding and highlights the action needed to mitigate any future problems.

The plan is the result of a collaboration between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water and the three Ayrshire local authorities with North Ayrshire taking the lead.

The plan has recommended two major flood protection schemes at two locations deemed most at risk - Upper Garnock and on the island of Great Cumbrae.

Consultation is ongoing for the proposed £15.5 million flood protection scheme for the Upper River Garnock which, when it goes ahead, will be eligible for Government funding of 80 per cent of costs.

Similarly, the plan highlights the proposals to reduce the risk to residential properties and small businesses on Great Cumbrae through the Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme, which will also offer the opportunity for improvements to the harbour area.

The plan also looks at a number of other potentially-vulnerable areas within North Ayrshire and flood protection studies are to be carried out for Noddsdale Water, the Largs to Stevenston area, Kilwinning, River Irvine and Annick Water, and the Isle of Arran.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “This has been a major undertaking for North Ayrshire Council following wide-ranging consultation right across North Ayrshire.

“We have identified the areas most at risk from flooding and this plan makes it clear what needs to be done to reduce the risks in areas which may be prone to flooding.

“We can now move forward with this ambitious plan and we hope to see real results which will have a lasting impact for local communities.”

The Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan was developed based on the Flood Risk Management Strategy.

It provides more detail on how and when the actions from the strategy will be delivered locally, providing additional specific detail on the funding and delivery timetable for actions.

While individuals are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting themselves and their properties from flooding, the plans have been developed to avoid and reduce flood risk.

Local Flood Risk Management Plans will be updated every six years.

The Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan will be submitted to Scottish Government by June 22.

Members of the public can access the plan on the Council’s website at www.northayrshire.gov.uk/resident/community-safety/flooding.aspx

Paper copies of the document will be made available in Cunninghame House, Irvine, during office hours and selected libraries.

Library users can also view the plan online.