HOMES and businesses in Peebles devastated by flooding during Storm Frank have been provided with extra protection.

Around £280,000 of Scottish Government cash has gone towards helping properties in areas close to the Tweed.

Peebles was hit particularly hard by the storm in December 2015.

A total of 40 properties close to the River Tweed were severely affected by the flooding.

Scottish Borders Council has implemented the Peebles Property Level Protection Scheme.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, SBC’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, believes the scheme will see residents in Peebles far better equipped in the event of another storm.

He said: “Storm Frank was a traumatic experience for many residents in the Tweed Green, Tweed Avenue and Walkershaugh area of Peebles, with the flooding some of the worst ever seen in the town.

“Huge damage was caused but the Property Level Protection Scheme will increase the resilience of these properties allowing them to recover more quickly from future flood events.

“A resilient communities group was recently formed in Peebles and we have provided similar equipment to the groups volunteers so if a flooding emergency occurs again, the community can work together and help each other out.”

The cash has been used to purchase and provide flood doors or barriers, self-closing airbricks, sump pumps and non-return values to 37 properties close to the river.

The initiative is seen as a temporary measure as the local authority conducts flood studies in Peebles, Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Broughton.

Local MSP Christine Grahame has welcomed the news, describing it as a ‘sensible response’.

She said: “Who could forget the horrifying image of Tweed Green completely submerged and the horrendous ordeal faced by residents in the months thereafter?

“I met up with residents at Tweed Green and saw the damage for myself.

"Along with council officials we discussed preventative measures and I am pleased these are taking place before winter sets in, so I very much welcome the Scottish Government’s grant to Peebles and the wider Borders region to improve flood resilience in the future.

“As climate change brings ever more extreme weather to Scotland, this is a sensible response to keep people and property safe.”