Victims of one of Scotland's most devastating floods are demanding urgent action before their homes and businesses are hit by a repeat of the disaster.
Community leaders in Kirkintilloch, where #11.5m of damage was caused during severe flooding in December 1994, fear they may have to face another three winters before proper flood defences are erected.
They will lobby East Dunbartonshire Council and their local MP Sam Galbraith at a public meeting in the town tonight.
Mr Donald Mackinnon, chairman of Kirkintilloch and District Flood Action Group, protested yesterday: ''There are plans in place for flood defences but plans don't hold back water.
''We need action before it's too late. People in Kirkintilloch are angry that nothing has been done nearly four years after the terrible floods.''
Mr Mackinnon said there have been several ''near misses'' since the floods of 1994 which damaged 236 houses and 112 businesses.
In February this year, the council issued flood alert notices to homes and businesses in affected areas, advising them to move equipment and possessions to previous flood levels.
He said: ''The water reached some houses but didn't actually enter them. Sooner or later the threat could become a reality.
''Businesses have suffered badly and we're worried some could pull out of Kirkintilloch and set up elsewhere if nothing is done soon.
''Plus there is the traumatic effect on householders. The average length of time they were out of their houses was seven months and some elderly people never really recovered. Many of them ended up in homes.''
Mr Mackinnon said the main aim of the meeting was to put pressure on the council and Scottish Office to implement their flood-prevention plans as soon as possible. They are currently out for consultation and awaiting Scottish Office funding.
Mr Charles Kennedy, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said a sophisticated flood-prevention strategy was currently out for consultation. The council hoped to get from the Scottish Office more than half of the #7m needed for its implementation.
He said: ''We are on the same side as the flood action group and were shaken by the devastation the floods caused.
''Our officials have spent a lot of time giving priority to the flood prevention plans and are confident of getting money from the Scottish Office. We should know about the funding by the summer.''
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