Assurances have been given that Fife is better prepared for any repeat of last year’s severe weather amid concerns arrangements for snow clearance could see communities cut off.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jonny Tepp said the set-up last winter did not work well for farmers or the public in Tay Bridgehead, with members of the public in some communities being cut-off and farmers who undertook clearing operations ‘off the book’ left unpaid.
Fife Council said it has reviewed its handling of the Beast from the East last February and believes what is in place is fit for purpose.
Mr Tepp said: “I was contacted by a number of members of the public last winter who were unhappy that farmers were not being paid for their heroic efforts in snow clearing.
“After investigation I discovered a procurement process that was unfit for purpose, and which, I believe, resulted in no farmers being ‘on the book’ last winter and all, therefore, working for free to help their communities through the crisis.
“A fairer process needed to be put in place. Instead, this year’s procurement process was completely over the top and excluded some farmers, possibly many farmers, from participating.
“Council staff have informed me that they believe their framework will provide ample coverage for Fife’s winter maintenance requirements.
“But the farmers that I have been speaking to think differently. There is concern that the arrangements in place will not ensure that local farmers will be paid to clear the roads nearest to them and that work will, instead, be allocated to large, centralised operations.
“This will mean lost time in the case of an emergency. In order for the most efficient and effective snow clearance, early action is necessary and using local farmers to do this is just plain common sense to me.”
Derek Crowe, senior manager for the roads and transportation service, said formal arrangements are required as winter activities are deemed “higher risk” – in line with procurement legislation.
“We annually review and update our winter services procedures and a number of changes are being implemented for the winter ahead to increase our resilience,” he said.
“We are pleased that we can now call on additional external resources – external contractors and other parties, including farmers – to assist with snow clearing and gritting.
“Specific contract arrangements are now in place with a range of local suppliers for additional assistance to supplement our significant in-house winter services capacity.
“These arrangements now include the local agricultural co-operative Tayforth Machinery Ring allowing local members of the machinery ring (farmers) to be employed directly and reimbursed for their work.”
