A clear-up is continuing in Coupar Angus after festive flooding caused chaos for householders. Five homes were hit in George Street when sustained rain fell the weekend before Christmas. A number of East Perthshire roads, including the main A923 Blairgowrie to Coupar Angus road, were also closed for several days. The B954 Alyth to Meigle road, the C423 Aberbothrie Road and the Woodside to Burrelton roads were also shut. And it was reported that a taxi driver in Coupar Angus had to be rescued from his vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning. Perth and Kinross Council said they had delivered sandbags to residents throughout the area, while emergency road repairs were carried out on some carriageways. Bob Curran, secretary of the Coupar Angus, Bendochy and Ardler Community Council, told the Blairie: “It is my understanding that five houses in George Street have been flooded. “They were given sandbags by Perth and Kinross Council but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. “It is terrible that this has happened just before Christmas.” He added: “The buses are still running, although they have to make long diversions, but at least they are making the effort to keep things moving.” John Swinney, Perthshire North MSP, visited the scene and was quick to praise rescue services. He said: “The rainfall was very sustained and as a consequence there was a significant amount of disruption to households and travel connections. “The conditions have been very severe and the volume of water that is in the river system and across land is enormous. I met some constituents who have been flooded in Coupar Angus. “I am terribly sorry this has happened and it is doubly difficult so close to Christmas. “The fire and rescue service were doing unstinting work to help householders and I am grateful to them for all of their efforts to assist people. “The weather has also put further demands on council services to keep roads open and to provide support to individuals. “It will be a great deal of effort to clear up and if there is help I can give to constituents, I’d ask them to contact me.” As a result of ongoing weather-related issues, the Tayside Strategic Co-ordinating Group was convened at Tayside Police HQ in Dundee to oversee the response to incidents. Support was also provided by the 4x4 volunteers. Tayside Police Chief Inspector Shaun McKillop paid tribute to the stoicism of residents who were flooded, or under threat of flooding, and to the professionalism of all those working to assist the public. He said: “There could hardly be a worse time of year to have to endure this type of disruption and our thoughts are with those householders who were affected. “However, it appeared that many of them have become pragmatic about dreadful weather of this kind, with most taking it in their stride. “I am also very grateful to those members of the emergency services, as well as council staff, representatives of other agencies and those volunteers who turned out to help. Their commitment was greatly appreciated.” But Tayside Police had also expressed frustration that some drivers were adding to difficulties by not heeding advice and good common sense and driving at speeds that were not safe in the difficult conditions. A number of crashes occurred across the region. Tayside Police reminded the public to stay clear of all water courses, which could pose a danger as a results of deep and fast-flowing water. Drivers are also reminded that large puddles and pools of water are more difficult to spot at night and it is vital that they reduce their speed and take care. People are again reminded that weather, traffic and travel information can be found via local and national TV, radio and newspapers. Weather warnings can be viewed on the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk. | 
