Effective river management is the topic of ward meeting in Langholm.

On Monday, 5 December, Dumfries and Galloway Council held a ward event in Langholm to address community concerns regarding the maintenance of the River Esk and River Wauchope. The event brought together community representatives, Annandale East and Eskdale Councillors, staff from Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), to discuss the challenges associated with river management in the region, particularly around the deposition of gravel and the presence of invasive non-native species.

Scottish Water were not in attendance but have advised that they have no concerns regarding their existing pipework that crosses the river.

Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed that their responsibilities are to assess bodies of water and determine whether works of clearance or repair would substantially reduce flood risk. With the river network in Langholm, the assessment, which includes hydraulic modelling of the three watercourses as they pass through the town, has not identified any necessary works of clearance or repair.

Concerns from the community regarding erosion of a section of riverbank on the Wauchope exposing former landfilled material will be investigated by a contaminated land officer. Engineering Design staff within the Council will also undertake a further inspection of the riverside walls within the town to allay concerns of the community as to potential erosion.

Permission has been granted by SEPA for the community to remove gravel along a 1km stretch of the river within the town. Community representatives indicated that two contractors are potentially interested in completing the work on a cost-neutral basis, acquiring the gravel removed for construction purposes.

For the cost-effective removal of gravel, it is important that an end use is determined. However, the presence of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam will limit what can be done. The eradication of these non-native species can take several years. With respect to the non-native species, Galloway Fisheries Trust could offer some support in undertaking survey and treatment works, although this would need to be on a catchment-wide basis and supported by landowners.

Consideration was given as to how the community may look to take a more holistic view of river management–working with landowners and with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and SEPA.The suggestion was made that the Tweed Forum could be contacted to understand how they deliver such an approach. Dumfries and Galloway Council will make inquiries in that regard.

Councillor Archie Dryburgh, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council Communities Committee said: "Thank you to all those who attended on the day. In addition to connecting with the community, the event was an opportunity to engage with partners, organisations, and bodies regarding the challenges related to effective river management in the area."

Councillor John Campbell, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council Communities Committee said: "This event provided an excellent opportunity to discuss local issues and future-proof river management in the area. I would like to thank everyone who attended."

ENDS