Hawick has been badly affected by flooding in the past

The authority had been criticised by Tory MSP John Lamont for its failure to take advantage of a Scottish Executive scheme to fund such measures.

Council chartered engineer David Campbell said recommendations would go to its executive on 14 August.

They will then be taken forward to seek executive funding of up to 80% of the confirmed costs.

Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Mr Lamont had accused the council of dragging its heels over applying for financial support.

We have the backbone just now of knowing where the problems are and roughly how we would tackle these David Campbell Council engineer

"Following the bad flooding in Hawick and Newcastleton last year, improved flood prevention measures should have been a priority," he said.

"Furthermore, the devastating scenes throughout England in recent weeks should be making this even clearer to the council authorities.

"I am therefore astonished that they have still decided not to act on this yet."

Mr Campbell said that the authority would have recommendations for the seven main towns in the region at risk of flooding by the middle of August.

These could then be taken forward to the Scottish Executive to seek funding.

However, he said there were some detailed procedures the council had to follow.

"We have the backbone just now of knowing where the problems are and roughly how we would tackle these," he said.

"But we have got to draw up a detailed scheme thereafter and also look at any alternatives that objectors may try to put forward as better solutions.