FIFE Council has proposals that can help protect local communities from flooding, but there has to be backing from the Scottish Government.

There were so many 'weak' spots underlined by the happenings of the amazing few hours which ran from late on August 11 into August 12.

These range from the feet of water which gathered to block the Lochgelly to Benarty road just north of Lochgelly High School, through to the intense flooding in the Foulford Road area of Cowdenbeath, and water running through gardens in Ballingry.

But the worst had to be the situations that occurred in Cardenden and Kinglassie which saw the River Ore burst its banks along with the Den Burn and more than 25 homes severely damaged in the Cardenden Road area and in other parts of the village with the costs of repairs running to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

A report prepared on behalf of Fife Council outlined where the issues lie, including ensuring that water can get through the bridge on Cardenden Road. The blockage of this through debris being washed down the course by the deluge was instrumental in the damage that was caused.

The knowledge of how it can be prevented from happening again is there but the funding of the scheme to ensure that it doesn't is a key element.

So MSP Alex Rowley's bid to set up a meeting with Scottish Government Cabinet Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham, is one that needs to bear fruit.

That could bring a breakthrough in the flooding problems that exist in Cardenden but really there are other flood issues that too need closely examined.

Foulford Road, in Cowdenbeath, has twice become impassable within the space of a few weeks while the issue north of Lochgelly High School is a serious one and being so close to a school, needs addressed.

These will need investment and the Government has a flood prevention fund that the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area needs some benefit from.