Councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of the environment and protective services sub committee, said: “I am pleased and reassured to hear about the extensive work that is being carried out to support local communities in Fife at risk of flooding.

“A wide range of activities are being undertaken including structural and natural flood management projects and awareness raising with community groups.

“Over the last four years nine flood risk studies have been completed, seven are in progress with four more to be started this year. In addition, seven maintenance projects for existing flood prevention schemes are also being carried out.

“Officers have taken great care to ensure that every location affected by flooding in Fife has been identified. They are investigating the flood problems and trying to identify possible solutions which are variable for each location. An updated progress report will be discussed at our next committee meeting.

“All of this is a huge task and I’d like to say well done to everyone involved.

“Because of the nature of flooding and the increased risk due to the effects of climate change I also welcome the work being started on Local Flood Risk Management Plans for the next six years.”

Cllr Vettraino added: “I would also like to highlight and praise the work of local flood action groups who play a key role in raising awareness of flood risk. Over the past four years, the council, partner agencies and local communities have been working closely to address flooding issues in specific areas at risk. This work has massively improved awareness and understanding and is moving Fife towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

“We should all be aware of the flood risk situation in our area and there is a lot of useful information and advice on our website which I recommend that everyone to have a look at - go to the website.”

Fife Council is working with Scottish Water (through the Integrated Catchment Studies); NatureScotland (through the Natural Flood Management proposals); Scottish Flood Forum (who advise and assist communities directly affected by flooding), to ensure flood risk is managed at every level and local communities are consulted.

Areas most at risk are identified by SEPA in the Flood Risk Management Strategies and more detailed actions to be carried out by Local Authorities and partner organisations are presented in the Local Flood Risk Management Plans.

The Plans will be published in June 2022, once the Strategies have been approved for publishing by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform in December 2021.

Any Flood Protection Schemes proposed will be submitted to the government who prioritise and identify areas to be given additional financial resources.