Clean-up operation underway in Stonehaven as traditional Fireballs show goes on A MASSIVE clean-up operation is underway in Stonehaven following severe flooding, as organisers of the north-east town's annual Fireballs announced the show would go on. Town leaders heaped praise on the generosity of residents in ensuring all flood victims enjoyed Christmas Day. Michael Innes, chairman of Stonehaven Community Council, said: "Nobody is homeless in the town. Friends and family have rallied together by those worst affected by the terrible flooding. We set up a rescue centre at the Town Hall and we have been inundated with donations, from clothing, bedding to food and presents. Flooding and mud slides devastated the old part of the town, in particular the High Street where the Fireball swingers traditionally walk on Hogmanay, leading to fears the ancient tradition would be cancelled. But the town's Fireballs Association has decided to stage the event in a bid to boost morale in Stonehaven, with any money raised given to flood victims. Chairwoman Susan Leiper said: "We were asking people what they thought and the message seemed to be we needed a bit of cheer. Whatever we raise on the night will be passed over to the flood victims. Martin Sim, also of the Stonehaven Fireballs Association, added: "It will take many months to repair the damage that was wrought on the town in a few short hours. After consulting with the residents of the High Street we have taken the decision to go ahead with the fireballs. The 45-minute show will begin at midnight in the Old Town when the swingers will emerge. Up to 100 homes had to be evacuated as a result of rising flood waters. Lifeboat crews helped many residents to safety and Aberdeenshire Council said it had ensured everyone affected had alternative accommodation. A council spokesman said: "All residents who required accommodation over Christmas have now been accommodated. The majority of affected residents are staying with friends and family, but where this has not been possible or accommodation was only available for a short period of time, housing staff are working to find suitable temporary accommodation. Mr Innes added: "Most of the people affected had Christmas dinner with family or friends. Some were even assisted by a local care home. The community spirit has been absolutely fantastic. The donations given at the rescue centre have been unbelievable. Everyone has rallied around to give items, from household goods to food and even Christmas presents. The local Co-op gave 40 hampers, while among the presents were three bicycles. The Town Hall was reopening today (Wed) for more donations and for affected families to benefit from the generosity. Retired couple Derek and Marge Acton were forced to leave their riverside home after the flood water came up through the floor boards for the second time in three years. But Mrs Acton said: "We're luckier than some. Our two daughters have homes in the town and we've moved in with one, and will enjoy Christmas dinner at the other. It's dreadful that this happened so soon after the floods of 2009. Something has to be done to protect people's properties. There was a further scare early yesterday (Tues) when a landslip threatened to engulf the Havencourt Care Home further up river. A mountain of mud cascaded down from an embankment behind the Four Season's property but it stopped short of the front door. Staff called in the police but after an inspection by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service it was decided no evacuation was necessary. Grampian Police Inspector Kate Stephen said: "It turned out not to be as serious as feared. And thankfully the weather seems to be improving. We've had no other problems so far. Mr Innes said there was anger that areas hit by flooding three years ago were being affected again. He said: "There has been a lot of talking done down the line, but what we need is action to ensure there is no repeat." Aberdeenshire provost Jill Webster said the community spirit in the town was "amazing." The Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse made visits to see flooding damage and meet residents of Stonehaven and Brechin, which was also badly affected, on Christmas Eve.