Repair And Renew Grant Opens

Homeowners will be given a helping hand to make their home more flood resilient in the future thanks to a new government grant scheme opening today.

People whose homes and businesses were flooded between 1 December and 31 March can now apply for a government grant of up to £5,000 through their local authority, regardless of where they live.

The purpose of the grant is to help people with the cost of buying and installing new measures to reduce the chances of flooding in the first place, or limit the damage should they be flooded in the future.

This could include things like a new driveway barrier or replacing doors and windows with water resistant alternatives, or moving electricity sockets to a safer level.

Even if property owners have already fitted new measures following this winter's flooding they can still apply for the grant retrospectively to cover the cost.

Police Appeal For Missing Man

Police Scotland is appealing for information to help trace a man reported missing in Edinburgh.

Grant Redpath from Ormiston Road in Tranent, East Lothian, was last seen around 10am today (Monday) leaving the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

However, the 37-year-old has failed to make contact with anyone since then and concern is now growing for his wellbeing.

Anyone who can assist in locating Grant is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, 6ft 2ins tall with a stocky build and short shaved brown hair. He was last seen wearing jeans, a beige jumper, black puffer jacket and Timberland boots.

Demolition Work Begins On Power Stations

E.ON has announced that initial demolition work has started at Grain-A (1350 MW oil fired station) and Kingsnorth (2000 MW coal fired station), following the closure of both plants.

Like many other power stations around the country, the EU's Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) legislation required the plants to close after generating for 20,000 hours from 1 January 2008 or before the end of 2015, whichever came first. Grain-A was closed in 2012 due to not being economically viable in the current market, and Kingsnorth in March 2013 after completing its 20,000 hours generation under the LCPD regulation.

Neil Wright, Civil Team Leader at E.ON, said: "We have been working with our contractors to ensure that the initial demolition process is conducted safely, efficiently and with minimum disruption to the local community and wildlife in the surrounding areas."

(CVS/CD)