This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-35695568

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Call to protect Bathgate homes flooded twice Call to protect Bathgate homes flooded twice
(35 minutes later)
The leader of West Lothian Council has called on Scottish Water to take "immediate action" to protect householders flooded twice in a week.The leader of West Lothian Council has called on Scottish Water to take "immediate action" to protect householders flooded twice in a week.
John McGinty also said residents in the Wester Inch estate, Bathgate, should be compensated in full after the floods.John McGinty also said residents in the Wester Inch estate, Bathgate, should be compensated in full after the floods.
About 20 homes were affected after the same water main burst twice in four days.About 20 homes were affected after the same water main burst twice in four days.
A Scottish Water official later told local residents the water main was "absolutely not" fit for purpose. Scottish Water said it was committed to permanently fixing the main to ensure it did not burst again.
Chief operating officer Peter Farrer also gave an "unreserved apology" for the incidents. At a public meeting immediately after the floods, a senior official from the company "apologised unreservedly" and told local residents the water main was "absolutely not" fit for purpose.
About 3ft (1m) of water was lying in parts of the estate at the height of the floods on 24 and 28 February.About 3ft (1m) of water was lying in parts of the estate at the height of the floods on 24 and 28 February.
Councillor Mr McGinty said: "What has happened to the families in Wester Inch who have been affected by the flooding is awful and we sympathise with them on what is an extremely difficult time.Councillor Mr McGinty said: "What has happened to the families in Wester Inch who have been affected by the flooding is awful and we sympathise with them on what is an extremely difficult time.
"I would like to take this opportunity to praise the local people for their fantastic community spirit in supporting their neighbours and also the Wester Inch Community Association for the important role that it is playing in helping to keep people informed.""I would like to take this opportunity to praise the local people for their fantastic community spirit in supporting their neighbours and also the Wester Inch Community Association for the important role that it is playing in helping to keep people informed."
Mr McGinty said he had written to the chief executive of Scottish Water to express concern about the flooding.Mr McGinty said he had written to the chief executive of Scottish Water to express concern about the flooding.
He added: "It is vital that arrangements are made to compensate everyone involved in full for the damage and also for the distress which has been caused."He added: "It is vital that arrangements are made to compensate everyone involved in full for the damage and also for the distress which has been caused."
At the time of the second flooding, some of the residents were at a local hotel having a meal paid for by Scottish Water following the previous incident.At the time of the second flooding, some of the residents were at a local hotel having a meal paid for by Scottish Water following the previous incident.
The flooding affected homes in Meikle Inch Lane, and supplies to parts of Bathgate, Blackburn and Livingston were disrupted.The flooding affected homes in Meikle Inch Lane, and supplies to parts of Bathgate, Blackburn and Livingston were disrupted.
The first incident happened on 24 February when "extensive flooding" closed Meikle Inch Lane and Leyland Road for seven hours. A total of 17 properties were affected.The first incident happened on 24 February when "extensive flooding" closed Meikle Inch Lane and Leyland Road for seven hours. A total of 17 properties were affected.
Mark McEwen, customer service general manager for Scottish Water, said the company would support all those affected as a full investigation was carried out.
He added: "We are remaining on site around the clock and will do so until all works are completed.
"We have made substantial progress with the clean-up of properties and the area affected and are working with the customers' insurance companies to ensure customers are supported in addressing the impact this flooding has had on them and their properties."