Flood closes Burnbank businesses

Aug 7 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

MORE than 30 businesses were unable to trade for up to three days after flood water filled with sewage blocked the entrance to a Hamilton industrial estate.

Traders at Parkburn Industrial Estate, Burnbank, say the problem has been a “nightmare” for them and their clients.

Those trying to get access to the units at the estate last Friday, Sunday and yesterday (Wednesday) were hindered.

Now it has emerged that the problem was caused by a blocked sewer.

Matt Thomson, owner of Templeton Tools and Machinery, said: “I have lost three days of business because of this. The heavy rain combined with a steady stream of water flowing downhill has caused the entrance to the estate to become flooded.

“The water in parts is 3ft deep. It is also filled with sewage. On Friday I watched as someone tried to get their car through the water and it stalled right in the middle of it; that can completely ruin a car’s engine.

“No-one is able to get through unless they have a large van. On Wednesday I was forced to trade through the railings – it is ridiculous.”

Brian Miller, director of Hamilton Electrical Supplies, was also angered by the flooding.

He said: “The flooding has been shocking. We are an electrical wholesaler and do have a trade counter. Last week customers couldn’t get in unless they had a large van.

“The fire brigade were out last week trying to help along with the council but it has just happened again on Wednesday.

“And now there are all sorts of nasty things floating in the water.”

Traders believed the water running downstream appeared to be coming from the nearby newly-built First Bus depot.

However First this week said the problem was not linked to them.

A spokesman for First said: “Last week, when signs of flooding began to appear at our Blantyre depot, we immediately called in contractors to source the problem.

"The contractors found that the source of the flooding was from a blocked pipe at premises located opposite our Blantyre depot. Both the proprietor of the neighbouring premises and Scottish Water have been informed of this problem.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Water this week said the flooding was a private matter concerned with a business.

He said: “Following work by an external contractor, damage has been caused to part of the sewage network at Parkburn Industrial Estate.

“This is a private matter and the repair is being undertaken by the contractor. As a courtesy we are monitoring the situation.”

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council added: “Planning permission was granted for these developments following the usual standard consultations with Scottish Water, SEPA and the council’s own flood prevention team.

“We are unaware of any planning regulations which have been contravened which would have resulted in this flooding.

“We will investigate the matter further and speak to the other services involved.”