Floodwater could turn steep path in Falkirk park into dangerous 'ski slope'

Last year Lynne Gilmore brought the problem of water constantly cascading down the pathway in Blinkbonny Park, near Glenochil Road, to the attention of The Falkirk Herald.

According to Lynne, who lives in nearby Well Road, it has been like this for the last four years years now and in past winter months it has seen at least one elderly dog walker slipping and taking a nasty tumble as the water, which flows all the way down to Gartcows Road at the bottom of the slope, turned into sheet ice.

Now Lynne, who recorded footage of the flooding during the constant rain at the weekend, believes the problem is getting much worse.

She said: “The video clearly shows an increased level of flooding and I do have elevated concerns given we have seen a couple of disasters this summer with the rail and canal.”

Lynne believes the flooding became an issue after electrification improvement work was carried out on the nearby railway.

She added: “This path is well used by pupils from Falkirk High and Bantaskin Primary School as well as dog walkers. The weather is getting colder and it’s only a matter of time before this turns to sheet ice again.”

Lynne said council workers had been out to dig a trench to trap the water, but that is proving ineffective.

A Falkirk Council spokesman said : “We have been in contact with Scottish Canals regarding the source of water flowing onto Blinkbonny Park and Gartcows Road. We’re still continuing to liaise with Scottish Canals to see this issue resolved.”

Last year the council stated: “We are aware of this issue, which could be linked to previous railway improvement works. We have raised the issue with Network Rail for further investigation and will continue to liaise with their drainage teams.

“We will also consider what further action may be required to protect the footpath from excessive surface water in the future.”

The council’s website advises people to call the flood prevention team on (01324) 501029/504994 if the source of flooding is a burn, river, or drainage ditch.