COMMUNITY resilience volunteers remain on alert in Alva after a short period of heavy rainfall saw water levels rise dramatically in the burn.

Members of Alva Community Resilience Team (ACRT) sprung into action on Monday, August 19, night after the alarm signal went off just after 10pm.

It came as water levels had risen dramatically over a very short period of time due to heavy rainfall throughout the day.

Bryan Denny, of ACRT, said: “Members of the team met at the Henry Street bridge to assess the situation and watched the rapidly rising water on indicator board at the bridge.

“The decision was made to at least get the flexible barriers which would be used to divert the flood water into position, but not fully deployed, which would have meant closing Henry Street to both vehicles and pedestrians.

“The burn reached its highest recorded level of 859mm with the waters crashing into the bridge parapets.”

Thankfully, the rain was expected to ease at around 11pm, which it did and the volunteers continued to monitor water levels up to around midnight, when the team stood down with the waters at a safe level.

The Carnaughton Burn was also checked and was found to be running hard and fast, but within safe limits.

The next morning (Tuesday), the team carried out clean up work to remove sticks and leaves brought down in the torrent to ensure the continued smooth running of the burn.

However, with more rain expected, water levels will continue to be monitored.