ALTHOUGH the Met Office warning has changed to Yellow, the sheer accumulation of snow combined with winds, drifting and very low temperatures, means conditions around Central Fife remain very poor with many roads very difficult and pavements a real hazard.

Indeed, Glencraig was literally cut off for a spell after a car got stuck and with the driver unable to move it at all traffic could not get past as the wind whipped up drifts.

There have been some good news stories though and one of them was at Abbotsford Care Home in Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath.

Abbotsford's Shannon Fleming sent us this message: "Thank-you so much too the people that have been helping clear our car park at Abbotsford Care Home in Cowdenbeath, it’s truly appreciated, anymore help would be really appreciated, thank-you."

Along with other agencies, the council is still advising people not to travel unless necessary – and, if you choose to travel, plan ahead, check forecasts and be prepared for major delays.

Chief Executive, Steve Grimmond said: “We’re using additional assistance from contractors to open up sections of main roads blocked by drifting but the situation continues to be challenging. "We are treating the priority 1 footpaths too, but given the difficulties on the main part of the network, we haven’t yet been able to divert ploughs on to lower category roads.

“We know it’s very frustrating and concerning for people, but crews are working round the clock to try and clear the roads and hundreds of staff diverted from their usual day jobs are helping to clear paths.

"Although we use the term ‘lower priority’ around roads, of course we know that being able to leave home and get to the shops or to work is a priority for everyone. But please be patient and bear with us as we try to reach all of Fife’s communities.”

He added: "We hope to open schools and many facilities on Monday but we will have to monitor weather/travel conditions as well as other factors like heating – we will issue an update on Sunday. Fifedirect text/email alerts will be sent as schools re-open and you can check the status of facilities at www.fifedirect.org.uk/closures

"The council’s contact centre will continue to operate an emergency service only over the weekend. Please only call a council number if absolutely necessary, to make sure the most vulnerable people and those in emergency situations can get through on the phone. Residents are asked to go online to check for advice and ask questions.

The council aims to start collections again on Monday but unfortunately won’t be able to reschedule missed collections and they are asking people not to put out brown bins (food and garden waste) so they can focus on other bins. There’s more information and advice about bins and waste at www.fifedirect.org.uk/winter

Mr Grimmond added that the authority hope that larger recycling centres will be able to open this weekend (with approach routes cleared), like at Cartmore in Lochgelly and Cuddyhouse Road, Cowdenbeath, to help people dispose of excess rubbish – again updates will be posted at www.fifedirect.org.uk/closures

Meals on wheels managed to deliver to most clients again on Friday and will continue to operate over the weekend. Services are in direct contact with anyone that the team were unable to reach.

They hope to run a limited Ring & Ride / Dial-a-Ride services on Monday for clients who need to attend hospital appointments.

Emergency housing repairs service is limited but teams in three 4x4 vehicles are out and about, working on a priority basis.

Steve Grimmond continued: “All around Fife people are going to great lengths to help others deal with these extreme conditions.

“I know many council employees who couldn’t make it into work are clearing snow in their area, visiting families we know to be vulnerable, delivering shopping to people with mobility issues, even delivering prescriptions on foot from a village pharmacy. And of course, it’s not just council staff – other public sector, voluntary agencies and Fifers everywhere are chipping in and doing some heroic things. Huge thanks to everyone.

“At times like this it doesn’t have to take a lot to be a hero. We know many people are confined to their homes – please check on your neighbours if you can. Some people are struggling for food and basic supplies and others may be lonely, worried or cold.

“Equally people can help the most vulnerable in our communities by keeping our phone lines free. We’re finding many people are still calling about non-emergency issues which means people in greatest need can’t get through to talk to us.

“By working together we can help each other through a very difficult weekend and hopefully find the challenge subsides next week.”