IN recent weeks, flooding within Inverclyde has caused havoc for residents, businesses and commuters alike.

The need for better flood protection for the area is something I have been contacted on by many Inverclyde residents and I have campaigned for during my time as an MSP.

Yet this is not a sudden problem. The A8 and surrounding area has been flooding for decades going back to the early part of the last century.

The situation affecting Inverclyde may not seem as devastating as scenes witnessed in other parts of Scotland, nonetheless the annual flooding that affects Inverclyde has a hugely detrimental effect upon the area.

No one body or agency can fix it themselves but if each is doing their part then I believe the situation can be improved upon.

I intend to initiate a Flooding Summit for Inverclyde. I have written to the Minister for the Environment, Aileen McLeod MSP, Minister for Transport, Derek McKay MSP, and John Mundell, the Chief Executive of Inverclyde Council to consider a strategic long-term approach to ease the recurrent flooding problem in Inverclyde.

I would intend for the full range of public agencies to be invited in addition to representatives from landowners in Inverclyde. 

I do not believe a single project will solve the annual flooding but multiple actions, some of which may already be deployed, could well improve the outcome.

For decades Inverclyde residents have had to suffer the problem of flooding, while a perceived lack of progress is made locally to organise how to address the problems the area faces.

We must ensure that flood prevention is a priority for Inverclyde.