Local Labour politicians have vowed to keep the pressure on the Scottish Government to secure funding to help following the recent devastating flooding in Dumfries and Galloway.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader Dr Elaine Murray have written to Deputy First Minister John Swinney asking for support for businesses and households hit by flooding; funding for infrastructure including the two bridges in Annan and flood prevention; and also support for community resilience.

Heavy rain and high tides recently saw some of the worst flooding in years across the south of Scotland.

In Annan, the Jubilee and Cuthbertson Memorial Bridges were swept away by the River Annan and the Nith flooded the Whitesands in Dumfries.

Colin Smyth said: “We are completely committed to keeping the pressure on the Scottish Government.

“We have written to the Deputy First Minister asking for the Scottish Government to provide funding, not only for homes and businesses affected by the recent terrible flooding, and infrastructure repairs which we urgently need in Annan but also for a comprehensive flood prevention scheme and support for a Community Resilience Scheme.

“I know first-hand just how devastating flooding can be and the scenes across our region in recent weeks were the worst I’ve seen in years.

“I’ve spoken to many people who were desperately trying to protect their homes and businesses from the flooding, and they need all the support they can get.

Cllr Murray added: “The flooding was devastating for our area and it is now important that we know exactly what the Scottish Government can provide so we can move forward with the clean up and with replacing the bridges in Annan.

“Writing to the Deputy First Minister was the first step in moving forward, we don’t want this to slip down the Government’s agenda.

“As a council we will work tirelessly with all those involved in order to find solutions and we intend to explore every avenue for funding and support.”