THERE HAS been a pledge from Fife Council emergency planning team to try and improve its response to major incidents, in the wake of criticism this month.

East Wemyss residents were hit by flooding on November 1, as torrential downpours caused the burn to burst its banks, turn streets into rivers and cause water to pour into homes and businesses.

That prompted anger from those who felt more could have been done before and after the flood waters had risen.

Similar situations have happened across the region in recent years, with the often sudden nature of flooding stretching emergency services to the limit.

However, the council and its emergency planning partners have promised to do all they can to co-ordinate their services to get help to those who need it most quickly and effectively.

Jimmy Campbell, Fife’s chief fire officer who is also responsible for the emergency planning team, said the main goal was to build on the experiences of the events, which affected many residents this month.

“We are very keen to ensure that our communication links are as robust as possible so as we can respond to our communities’ needs,” he said.

Mr Campbell welcomed creation of a control centre which he hopes will allow improved co-ordination with emergency services and their own officers.

He added, “We acknowledge that responses can be better co-ordinated in these types of flooding incidents but we feel it is important that the public recognise that there will always be situations which will stretch the services to their limit.

“There are many factors which have an impact.

“For example, much of the drainage infrastructure throughout Fife is very old and was never designed to cope with the demands of the changes in our climate.”

Mr Campbell also urged residents to do what they can to prepare for emergencies where possible, pointing out that information was available on the Fife Direct website www.fifedirect.org.uk which could not only help people prepare but also give them suggestions of what they can do to help when situations arise.

“It’s important that we also encourage Fife’s residents to play their part in protecting their properties wherever possible,” he added.

His views about improving emergency response were echoed by Councillor George Kay, chairman of Fife’s police, fire and safety committee, who said it was a main priority.

“It’s vital that we continue to look at ways to improve our services to the local community,” he said.

“Every year, we continue to see changes in our climate patterns, therefore the council and all its partners need to continue developing its emergency planning procedures to ensure that we can support Fife’s residents in the best way we can.”