South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Annandale South Councillor Sean Marshall have welcomed “game changing” plans by Scottish Water to start work on a £5 million plan to reduce the risk of flooding in Annan.

The local Labour politicians have been campaigning for the investment since flash flooding hit the town in July 2017.

The work is expected to start on 16 June and will last for 12 months.

Colin Smyth said: “These proposals from Scottish Water really are game changing and are exactly what Sean and I have been campaigning for.

“I am very pleased that there is finally a start date for the work to begin.

“This is a major investment that will significantly reduce the impact of any flooding in and around Newington Park and is long overdue.

“Since I was contacted by residents hit by the flash flooding in July 2017 and Sean and I have urged Scottish Water to take action.

“The scale of the work proposed will inevitably cause some disruption during construction and will take more than a year to fully complete but will make a real difference in the long term. In the meantime, we have urged Scottish Water to work with residents to keep them fully up to date as work progresses and provide any temporary support they can such as pumps in gardens, should we see any flooding before the work is completed.”

Annandale South Councillor Sean Marshall said: “Having met with concerned residents on a number of occasions who are desperate for a long term, permanent solution to the flooding of their properties, I am delighted that Scottish Water will be investing millions on a project that will hopefully will prevent any more flooding in this part of Annan.

“This has been a long time coming and whilst work has been unfortunately delayed it is great news that the project is now due to commence this month.

“Whilst parts of Newington Park will not be able to be used for over 12 months due to the extent of the project, it will be well worth it as not only will there be a permanent solution to the flooding experienced by residents, but at the end of the works the project also includes an extra bonus of the installation of a new playpark and equipment at Newington Park.”