The results of an internal review will be presented to the environment, enterprise and transportation committee on March 4.

Leading the inquest is Stuart Nichol, the local authority's executive director of environment and development services, following a month in which criticism of the council has been as severe as the weather.

But the decision to conduct the review internally has come under fire from Cupar councillor Bryan Poole, who feels members of the public will question its impartiality.

He said: "If there's going to be an inquiry into the gritting situation, I don't think it's right to have it carried out by the officer responsible for delivering the services that have caused the most anger.

"I know Stuart Nichol will carry out the review objectively, but we should be thinking about public perception and restoring people's confidence."

The call for a more independent inquiry was dismissed by Councillor Tony Martin, chair of the environment, enterprise and transportation committee.

He said: "It is entirely right and proper that this review is led by management.

"This is consistent with the way that post-event reviews of emergency planning have been carried out in the past.

"All councillors have been invited to put forward comments and suggestions and I have every confidence that this will be a proper and thorough review of the way the council has handled weather issues over the last few weeks."

Read more in this week's Fife Herald and St Andrews Citizen.