Dear Sir, Having read the information provided by Stuart Priestly from the Ecology Dept at DCC and also taking into account the additional information from Jeff Talbot I would like to raise the following points of interest.  It is clear that protecting wildlife and biodiversity is increasingly important, and is indeed essential to protect the habitat and wildlife corridors in our increasingly developed town. However it would appear that we are happy to let the Burn become a flood risk and potentially a Health and Safety risk to residents and children who live and play in the area. I believe with a consultative approach to some simple waterway management we as a town would be able to secure and prevent any future flooding risk and manage the ever  increasing amount of self seeded vegetation and flora (Himalayan Balsam and Willow herb) that occupies the Burn each year, We could remain sympathetic towards the animals and wildlife that live in and use the Burn as an essential wildlife corridor. As some of you will know we’ve had flooding from the Burn in years gone by and indeed fatalities have occurred from falling into the Burn. I therefore believe that some level of ongoing maintenance is required to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future. Our intention is not to damage any of the wildlife or plants  but equal priority should be considered for residents as for the wildlife. I would suggest by working together with both DCC and the Volunteer Group we may still be able to find a compromise that will allow some level of maintenance to keep the Burn flood free and also better maintained. It could go hand in hand and not disturb any resident wildlife that currently inhabits the Burn, but equal priority should given to Residents and Wildlife. Alderman George Gray West Ward Councillor