SMITH CALLS FOR SEVERE WEATHER BRIEFING FROM COUNCIL

12.00.00am GMT Mon 11th Jan 2010

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith is calling on Fife Council's Chief Executive to provide a full briefing of the Council's severe weather operation at Friday's meeting of Fife's elected representatives.

Mr Smith, who has already called for an investigation into the Council's operation to establish what lessons could be leaned for the future, is keen to establish what emergency arrangements are in place to identify and assist vulnerable people in North East Fife in instances such as the current cold snap.

He is also looking for clarification on the Council's preparations for dealing with any flooding which may arise as a result of a rapid thaw.

In his letter Mr Smith said:

"I would be grateful if you could give serious consideration to including on the agenda for Friday's meeting a full briefing about Fife Council's severe weather operation. It would be also be useful to be briefed on the Council's salt and grit supply and procurement.

"Furthermore, clarification on how Fife Council identifies vulnerable people and what emergency arrangements are in place to assist them, especially if they are in isolated areas and not on priority routes, would be welcomed.

"It would also be helpful to discuss how Fife Council is prepared for dealing with any flooding that may arise as a result of a rapid thaw."