FLOOD protection volunteers were called into action in Alva for the first time last week.

It was a baptism of fire for members of the recently formed Alva Community Resilience Team, who were busy as severe weather hit the Hillfoots town on the evening of Friday, December 4.

The 14 volunteers kept a close eye as water levels started rising, monitoring Alva Burn using the RiverTrack system which was installed just in time on November 22 with funding from the Scottish Flood Forum.

Sandbags were placed in strategic locations but luckily, the burn did not overflow, spiking at 803mm, compared to the normal levels of around 150-200mm.

Bryan Denny, who led the response, said: “Our main concern on the night turned out to be the excessive quantity and force of water coming from the hills behind Alva and overcoming our catchment system along the Back Road, caused by snow melt and torrential rain plus the hills already being saturated with rain water over the preceding days.

“Excess water had to be diverted into the Cochrane Park to prevent flooding issues in the nearby housing development.

“Unfortunately one house was flooded but many more were saved from this terrible situation.”

Volunteers were then involved in the clean up operation and kept a close eye on the weather early this week.

Bryan gave thanks to all team members as well as partners at Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Flood Forum for the follow up work.

Anyone looking to join the volunteers can email alvaresilience@gmail.com or follow Alva Community Resilience Team on Facebook.