‘Deep concern’ as vital work to tackle flooding in Fife town pushed back two years
Plans to upgrade the sewer network to tackle problem flooding in a North East Fife town have been shelved until 2028 at the earliest.
The delay, announced this week by Scottish Water, was described as “deeply concerning” by one politician.
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, said: “The company needs to offer a full explanation of what has caused the hold up.”
The project is part of a wider series of upgrades to prevent flooding and improve the local environment.
Scottish Water wrote to local residents recently breaking the news of the delay. It said that work to replace the existing outfall and combined sewer overflow at West Shore in Pittenweem is “fully designed” but is still going through internal processes and securing regulatory permissions.
Because of “unexpected delays” in this process, construction will not now be able to take place in the summer and autumn seasons - and due to the exposed nature of the site, work cannot be carried out during the winter months.
In order to complete the works within a single year, the company has decided to carry out the project in its next investment period, which covers 2027 to 2033 - and it does not anticipate work starting until “at least 2028.
Scottish Water said: “Owing to the transition between the old and new investment periods, we anticipate no work will start until at least 2028.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this project has not been cancelled, and Scottish Water remains committed to delivering this significant investment for the benefit of the community of Pittenweem. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we plan this project and want to reassure you that all feedback will be taken on board as we move forward with.”
Mr Rennie, and Wendy Chamberlain MP have called on Scottish Water to give a full explanation and “explore every option” for proceeding this year.
Mr Rennie said: “This announcement is deeply concerning. The upgrades were an important measure for the local community which has been hit by flooding in recent years. Local people will be dismayed that they are now expected to wait until 2028 at the earliest for this work to begin.
“It is frustrating that plans for the work are ready to go, but they have been stuck in bureaucratic delay. The company needs to offer a full explanation of what has caused the holdup. Their letter sets out the knock-on effect of missing the summer and autumn period this year, anticipate the problems that missing this deadline would cause. I also want them to take a fresh look at the timetable to explore every option for carrying out the work this year.”
Ms Chamberlain added: “I am very concerned that Scottish Water has pushed back the works at West Shore by almost two years at the least. Local people had understood that the work was almost ready to begin.
“Now households and businesses have been left with real uncertainty about when to expect the inevitable disruption that the project will entail, which will affect their ability to plan. In addition to a full explanation of the delay, Scottish Water needs to reconsider all options for carrying out work this year in an expedited fashion.”