Flood barriers were not activated in Renfrew during Storm Boelo, as businesses in the area count the cost of damage caused by the adverse weather. Renfrewshire Council has said that "available forecast data and information" – including predicted tide levels – meant the threshold for deploying the barriers was not met.
The situation has caused frustration after the Met Office issued an amber warning for wind and water spilled from the River Clyde into streets on Saturday night. Foundry Gym in Ferry Road was one of several premises affected, with staff left facing a major clean-up operation and significant disruption. The gym aims to reopen on Monday.
Businesses count the cost of flooding
Foundry Gym said: "Seeing the gym we've worked so hard to build in this condition has been absolutely heart-breaking. The good news is that we have now managed to clear all the floodwater from the gym."
"However, with such a substantial amount of water having entered the building, the drying process will take time. We must also ensure that all affected areas and equipment are thoroughly checked before we can safely welcome everyone back."
Ferry Nice Food, also on Ferry Road, was severely impacted and was "gutted" by the state of its shop on Sunday morning. It said: "All our equipment has been damaged, including our fridges and freezers. The amount of damage and mess we are left with is heart-breaking, especially knowing how much of this could potentially have been avoided."
Councillors demand answers over flood defence operation
The £10 million North Renfrew Flood Prevention Scheme, which includes an embankment and underground pumping station, was launched in 2016. Councillor Jamie McGuire, a Reform UK representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: "The council has stated that the predicted tide levels and available forecast data did not meet the threshold for activating the barriers.
"However, water levels subsequently rose significantly above predicted levels, resulting in flooding affecting homes, businesses and other locations around the estuary."
"People need clear answers about what happened, why the barriers were not deployed, and – most importantly – what practical support is now available to those who have suffered loss or damage."
Councillor Edward Grady, a Labour representative for Renfrew South and Gallowhill, believes "serious questions" remain over the operation of the flood defence system. He added: "I understand that the council has said forecast tide levels did not reach the threshold required to activate the barriers, despite actual water levels subsequently rising significantly higher than predicted.
"That explanation raises important questions. What exactly is the threshold for activating the barriers? Who is responsible for making that decision?"
"What contingency arrangements exist when forecasts prove inaccurate or conditions change rapidly? Flood prevention cannot rely solely on forecasts being correct. The consequences of getting these decisions wrong can be devastating for the people who live and work in the affected areas."
Council reviews procedures after tidal surge
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: "Officers have agreed to review the arrangements in place to ensure these procedures reflect the impacts of a changing climate environment, I've asked that they look at what is predicted and what margin outside the predictions should trigger the use of the barriers."
In an email to councillors on Monday, Gordon McNeil, director of environment, housing and infrastructure, explained: "The available forecast data and information for the severe weather at the weekend, which included the predicted tide levels for the Clyde, did not meet the threshold for activating the flood barriers in Renfrew."
"Unfortunately the water levels, which affected various locations on the estuary, raised significantly above predicted levels resulting in some local flooding. We will review the arrangements in place to ensure these procedures reflect the impacts of a changing climate environment."
The £10 million scheme invested in the barrier and a new pumping station at Mill Burn at Fingal Road to protect local homes and businesses. The pumping station was in effect over the weekend.
On Tuesday, a council spokesperson said: "The exceptional tidal surge on the River Clyde at Renfrew on Saturday night was recorded at 6.7 metres, the highest since digital records began in 1998 and more than twice the level forecast."
"The community will have seen our teams around the flood defences on Monday night and again today given forecast high tidal levels. The barriers were raised last night but the Clyde did not breach the banks and we are monitoring the potential requirement to raise the barriers today as well given the ongoing adverse weather conditions."
"We have visited local businesses affected and will continue to monitor the situation."
