DEFENDING Peebles from future floods will be highlighted next week at a consultation event in the town.

Almost three years ago a major incident was called in Peebles after Storm Frank led to the Tweed reaching record levels.

Dozens of homes and businesses were left under water.

And it took many months for the clean up operation to be concluded.

On Tuesday (November 6) an exhibition will be held in the MacFarlane Hall from 12noon to 8pm to allowr esidents to find out more about Scottish Borders Council's flood study process, the flood risk posed to Peebles and to comment on potential measures that could be taken forward to reduce the risk of flooding.

Members of Scottish Borders Council’s project team and Scottish Water will be on hand to answer any queries.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “Peebles has been badly affected by flooding in recent years, most notably during Storm Frank in December 2015 which was a 1 in 55 year event which caused extensive damage.

"With this in mind, the opinion of local people in Peebles is essential.

"The flood study exhibition is on throughout the afternoon and evening and I would encourage anyone with an interest to pop in to look at and discuss the options with Council and Scottish Water staff.”

Four flood study exhibitions have already been held in Newcastleton, Earlston, Broughton and Innerleithen this autumn, with over 130 people attending the sessions.