Edinburgh Council has provided a grant of £4.4 million towards the cost of developing a flood prevention scheme for the Water of Leith.

The scheme, which already has secured funding of £30 million, aims to protect vulnerable residents and businesses from the threat of flooding, following breaches by the Water of Leith in 2000, which hit 500 properties in Edinburgh.

The £4.4 million grant is going towards the Water of Leith preparatory costs that are presently holding up progress on the scheme. The preparatory costs include feasibility studies, preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment, hydrological and hydraulic modeling and other special technical studies.

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Construction of confirmed schemes meeting required technical, environmental and economic criteria would attract an 80 per cent grant from the Scottish Government.

Environment Minister Michael Russell said: "The Scottish Government recognises that the development of major flood prevention schemes, such as this £30 million scheme for the Water of Leith, takes far too long. We are introducing a Flooding Bill next year to modernise the statutory process and consultation on this bill is due to start in the New Year."

Councillor Phil Wheeler, Edinburgh's Transport Convener, said: "Flooding is a real threat which costs great anxiety for thousands of residents and business owners in Edinburgh who want peace of mind that their homes and premises are protected.

"This announcement is great news and my Committee will be giving urgent consideration to funding the Council's contribution for implementing this much needed scheme."

The Scottish Government has made £42 million of grant funding available in 2007/08 to local authorities to support confirmed flood prevention and approved coast protection schemes.

(DW/JM)