Floods leave school children stranded in bus

Dec 1 2011 Hamilton Advertiser

A BUS carrying children to school became stuck in floodwater caused by Tuesday’s torrential rain.

The nine children and three adults, on their way to Sandford Primary, were helped to safety by officers from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

Motorists also had to be rescued from their vehicles when the Kype Water burst its banks.

Floods also caused problems for drivers using the bridge at Newhousemill Road, between Hamilton and East Kilbride.

The road was subsequently closed as nearby fields became saturated with water which spilled onto the road, blocking traffic in both directions.

Other roads across Strathaven were also affected by heavy overnight downpours.

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “The torrential rain over the past couple of days and especially through Monday night caused flooding problems across South Lanarkshire, mainly in the rural areas.

“We were forced to close the B7086 just east of Sandford crossroads because of flooding.

“We also had no choice but to close the A724 Hamilton Road/Glasgow Road, Blantyre from its junction with Flemington Road to Blantyre Farm Road.

“However our main priority, as always, is to protect life and property throughout the council area.

“We also experienced similar problems on the A726, East Kilbride to Strathaven Road, but managed to keep this road open.”