Fife Council’s co-leaders have heaped praise on hard-pressed council staff and volunteers in the face of the worst winter conditions the region has faced for many years.
Councillors David Alexander and David Ross released a joint statement on Monday afternoon to thank everyone who contributed in the fight to beat the elements.
“Council staff and volunteers in local communities have gone above and beyond in order to keep key routes clear and ensure that elderly and vulnerable people across Fife have been cared for,” they said.
“Fife has been directly in the path of some of the worst weather seen in years and the Council has had to concentrate on key priority routes and on ensuring that communities cut off by the snow have been reconnected as soon as practical.
“High winds, drifts and continuous snow showers have added to the problems with some routes covered again as soon as they have been cleared.
“We’ve seen many stories from communities across Fife where local volunteers have been clearing snow or providing food and shelter to those in need.
“This has added significantly to the work of Council staff who have been out 24/7 over the last few days to keep Fife moving as far as possible.
“We’d like to thank the many Fifers who heeded the warnings not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
“Most people in Fife have been very patient and understanding in these extreme conditions, recognising that the Council has had to focus on priority routes and on taking care of those at most risk.
“Now that the worst of the weather seems to have passed, council staff will be able to move on to clearing pavements, secondary routes and estates, and in particular ensuring that routes to school are safe to allow them to be re-opened on Tuesday, so that Fife can return to normal over the next few days.
“Our staff have been magnificent during this trying time and they and the many volunteers deserve great praise for their extraordinary efforts.”
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance was one of those also adding his thanks.
“The recent severe weather conditions really have brought out the best in people, never before have I witnessed such widespread unity and community spirit across our towns and villages,” he said.
“It has been extremely heartening to see residents working together to help each other, and provide assistance to the most vulnerable amongst us.
“The huge efforts of communities in clearing their streets, ensuring the delivery of vital prescriptions and groceries, and generally just taking care of each other was inspiring to see and I hope that this spirit continues on as the weather begins to improve.”