Tag: storm damage

Council invests £500,000 to protect Edinburgh’s coastline

Work to restore the iconic timber groynes on Portobello beach has been completed by the city council.

The five timber groynes constructed in the 1970s help to hold sand in place to prevent further erosion of the Capital’s important coastline.  

In November 2021, one of them was damaged during Storm Arwen and partially collapsed. Following a survey of all of the groynes, work was commissioned to repair and restore them.

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “By investing half a million pounds in the repair of the groynes we are helping to protect the sand and coastal environment at Portobello so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy this popular beach in Edinburgh for many years to come.

“This announcement is very timely as we are promoting all the work the Council is doing to address climate change as part of ‘Climate Week’.

“Unfortunately, due to the climate emergency, storms are becoming all too common and I’m really pleased their restoration means we have good protection in place. It’s also great to hear the excess timber wasn’t wasted and was donated to locals including a community garden and artists.

“The iconic groyne structures are well known to locals and visitors and have become part of the landscape in the area so it’s great to see them restored to their former glory.”

Read our Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024-2030

Storm Agnes: Be Prepared

Insurance advice from the ABI 

Homeowners and businesses need to be prepared as Storm Agnes approaches. But be assured that, should you suffer any storm damage, insurers will do everything they can to help you recover as quickly as possible.  

Damage caused by storms is covered by standard home insurance, commercial business policies, and comprehensive motor insurance. 

Mark Shepherd, Head of General Insurance Policy at the Association of British Insurers said: “Insurers expect bad weather at any time and their priority is always to help their affected customers recover as quickly as possible. 

“Where properties are damaged by floods or storms, insurers will be on hand to make emergency payments, arrange any temporary emergency accommodation, and make sure the damage is repaired. 

“If you suffer damage to your property, contact your insurer as soon as you can for help and advice.” 

The ABI advises people to: 

·       Keep a close eye on weather warnings, and follow advice from The Met Office, The Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. 

·       Where possible, store items left in gardens that can easily be blown away and cause damage, like ladders, inside, or ensure they are secure. 

·       Have contact details of your home insurer to hand, along with other emergency contact numbers for your utility providers and the local authority. 

If you suffer storm damage: 

·       Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible. 

·       If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse, but speak to your insurer first. 
If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself, tell your insurer and keep any receipts, as this will form part of your claim. 

·       Do not be in a rush to throw away damaged items, unless they are a danger to health, as these may be able to be repaired or restored. Your insurer will advise. 

If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are being carried out, your insurer will arrange for, and pay the cost of, any alternative temporary accommodation you may need in line with your policy. 
 
Commercial polices will cover damage to premises and stock. Business interruption cover (which may be included or purchased separately) will cover additional trading costs, such as hiring temporary alternative trading premises if necessary. 
 
Comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by storms.