A NEW drainage system could be the solution to prevent some gardens in Dunfermline from flooding.

Families in Appin Crescent voiced concerns to the Press after last weekend's heavy downpour led to their properties being damaged.

One homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that the extension of Leys Park car park had played a key role in causing the problem and said the flooding was a "serious health issue".

He said: "The car park which is situated above the Appin gardens was built over a woodland area, originally being a railway line with natural drainage.

"However, now, all the area is in tarmac with no suitable drainage with the road cambered towards sinkholes directly behind the gardens.

"This means that all the rainwater flows directly into the sink holes then into the gardens.

"The residents living in the affected houses have experienced severe damage to their gardens and in addition are extremely concerned about the health risks of the drainage water due to pollution from the cars situated in the car park, which also contains a recycling facility plus a coronavirus testing site.

"The council have been investigating this matter for a number of months now.

"Although the council have admitted responsibility for this problem, to date this matter has still not been resolved.

"When the gardens get flooded, the water lies stagnant (initially measured at over 14 inches in depth) for days whereby the residents are concerned of what harmful bacteria the water may contain, especially when we are living through this pandemic.

"To my knowledge, no water samples have been taken. This surely is a serious health issue."

Fife Council told the Press that service manager Mark Dewar had apologised to residents affected by the flooding and that a new drainage system is being installed in an effort to tackle the issue after other efforts were unsuccessful.

Mr Dewar said: "We are aware of this issue which is causing gardens in the area to flood following heavy rain.

"Unfortunately, attempts to resolve this have been unsuccessful so far.

"However, we are now installing a new drainage system which will divert excess water away, and we will continue discussions with residents to keep them up to date with progress."