Second Phase of Flood Project A Step Closer for Picturesque Pittenweem

A planning application has been submitted for the second phase of an £8million Scottish Water project to protect the picturesque Fife village of Pittenweem from flooding.

Subject to approval, a new powered screen will be installed on an existing storm overflow and the current sea outfall replaced with a larger, buried pipe on the West Shore.

It follows the successful completion of similar work on the East Shore earlier this year which also included a new screened overflow chamber, a new sea outfall and upgraded pipework.

Scottish Water Alliance Team Manager Steven Greenhill said: "The West Shore is even more exposed to changeable weather and sea conditions than the East Shore.

"Every effort will be made to minimise disruption although some timings will be weather dependent, particularly when it is also dictated by waves and the tide.

"The community has played a key part in developing the project and we look forward to working with them once again as we deliver the second phase."

The new sea outfall will extend below the Mean Low Water Spring tide level - the average of the two low tides on the days of spring tides, when the range of the tide is greatest.

To install the new pipe, part of the sea wall will be dismantled block by block, with each block being numbered when removed and then reinstated to the same location as before to preserve its heritage.

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water's alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance who also worked on the East Shore phase.

Communications Manager Clive Duncan said: "We have built a fantastic relationship with the community who recognise the benefits to the village the work will bring.

"Pittenweem has been prone to flooding for many years so this project once completed will make a significant difference and deliver peace of mind for many years to come."