‘Sands flood designs ‘do not tell whole story’

That is the call from a campaigner, reacting to a 3D flythrough and virtual reality experience which are understood to only show the earth bund from above or from the River Nith – with no views from the Sands themselves.
David Slater from Save Our Whitesands Car Parks and River Views said: “It’s quite a poor flythrough.
“They’re not showing it from the Whitesands side.”
Mr Slater has repeatedly voiced concerns that views of the river will be lost due to the banking.
The bund will run from Greensands down into the Dock Park, will take up land currently used for parking between the roadway and river, and is planned as part of a wider regeneration in the area.
Having noted only a wall will be seen at the bottom of Nith Place, he takes issue with suggestions that the earth bund will only be the height of a small car.
Noting the bund is shown to replace most of the steps on Devorgilla Bridge on the Whitesands side, he said: “It’s a lot higher than that.”
Councillors were last week given an advance look at materials which will be presented to the public during three days of consultations running at the start of next month.
Mr Slater said: “They’re only showing about ten or 20 per cent of the bund.
“They’re not showing you the part that goes all the way to the Dock Park and past the pizzeria, and they’re not showing you up to the boat house.”
Elected members last week praised the materials introduced by principal designers principal designers Mouchel and Gillespies.
Councillor Jeff Leaver said: “I think the technology was very impressive; it is obviously state-of-the-art.”
Members of the public will get the chance to view the designs for themselves as St George’s Hall in the town from Thursday 3 November to Saturday 5 November.