Businesses in Renfrew suffer thousands of pounds in damage due to Storm Boelo flooding

Businesses in Renfrew are have been left with thousands of pounds of damage after a multi-million pound flood gate failed to stop the River Clyde bursting its banks during Storm Boelo.

Renfrewshire Council said the predicted tide levels did not meet the threshold for activating the flood barriers.

Takeaway Ferry Nice Food sits just yards away from the barrier on the town’s Ferry Road.

Family and friends of owner Toni Gray have spent the past two days cleaning up after the water infiltrated the property and damaged the interior.

Serving counters, fryers and fridges have had to be ripped out and cleaned.

Taking into consideration the cost of closure, loss of revenue and damage to stock, they estimate the bill could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Toni’s mum Maureen is one of those who has been helping with the clean up operation.

She said: “As soon as we heard, we came down to the shop but there was nothing we could do.

“We tried to contact the council regarding the barrier up, and I believe that didn’t go up, and to get sandbags and, as yet, we are still waiting on the sandbags.

“Nothing was provided for any local businesses.  For Toni, it’s just a catastrophe.

“She’s got quite a few fridges and freezers that now have to go out and get new ones bought back in.

“We’re ripping the place out at the moment, giving it a good clean. We’ve had an electrician in to check the wiring and once we get the new equipment in we’ll open next week.” 

Businesses in the town have rallied round to help each other following the storm.

Due to previous flooding in the area, local businesses have been unable to get insurance for flooding.

Maureen added: “It’s pretty devastating. We’re all trying to help each other.

“There’s a chap up road has offered to help – as we have offered to help them too.

“McGregor’s, it’s devastating round there too. They’ve been round to see if there is anything we need taken away.”

Along the road at McGregor’s bar, staff were busy trying to get the pub dried out for a darts competition planned for Monday night. 

CCTV shows how quickly the flood water surged outside.

In a social media post, owner Xander McGregor said: “Some serious questions needing answered tomorrow as to why there was no flood preventions in place and our flood defence wasn’t in use.

“We are absolutely heartbroken for ourselves and for all the other local businesses and neighbours in the ferry area whose cars and property have been affected by this, especially our neighbours at Ferry Nice Food.”

The Foundry Gym, located 600 metres away from the river, has been forced to close until November.

A spokesperson for the gym told STV News: “The sheer volume of water that entered our gym was devastating.

“Large areas of the premises were completely flooded, leaving us with an enormous clean-up operation and significant disruption.

“Seeing the gym we’ve worked so hard to build in this condition has been absolutely heartbreaking.”

Ten years ago, £10million was spent on the North Renfrew Flood Prevention Scheme which included a barrier and underground pump.  

Renfrewshire Cllr Jamie McGuire said: “I have written to the chief executive of the council to ask some very serious questions about the handling of the recent flooding in Renfrew.

“Millions of pounds have been spent on flood defences, yet residents are now asking why those defences were not used when the council had been informed in advance about the severe weather and the need for appropriate preparedness.

“Residents have been unable to leave their homes, while businesses have been forced to close and livelihoods have been put at risk. This is simply not good enough. 

“I will be seeking clear answers from the council because residents deserve transparency, accountability and action.

“Why were the flood defences not used? What preparations were made after the prior warnings were received?

“And what are the council going to do now to support the residents and businesses affected by the flooding?

“These questions must be answered. The people of Renfrew deserve nothing less.”

Renfrewshire Council said a new pumping station at Mill Burn on Fingal Road, installed as part of the North Renfrew Flood Prevention Scheme, was in effect over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the local authority told STV News: “The available forecast data and information for the severe weather at the weekend, which included the predicted tide levels for the Clyde, did not meet the currently set threshold for activating the flood barriers in Renfrew.

“Unfortunately, the water levels which affected various locations on the estuary, raised significantly above predicted levels resulting in some local flooding.

“We will review the arrangements in place to ensure these procedures reflect the impacts of a changing climate environment.”