About �7.2m needs to be spent in Peebles according to a report

A range of prevention and alleviation schemes have been examined for a number of communities.

However, funding issues mean they cannot all be dealt with at once and a report to councillors has suggested a potential priority list.

It says Selkirk and Galashiels could see work completed in five years but other towns might face a longer wait.

Councillors are scheduled to discuss the situation on Tuesday.

The most costly scheme is in Hawick - the scene of devastating floods two years ago.

The price of dealing with the flooding issue there is about �38m.

Cash needed

A little more than �15m is needed to address flood risks in Selkirk posed by the Ettrick Water and Long Philip Burn.

Other schemes to be considered by councillors include those in Peebles, where �7.2m would be required, Newcastleton, where a similar amount of cash is needed and Stow, where the likely bill is �3m.

The two least costly schemes are in Jedburgh, at �1.5m, and Galashiels where only a little more than �300,000 is required.

A detailed report to councillors advises them to go ahead with schemes in Selkirk and Galashiels within the next three to five years.

Plans would then be drawn up and grant aid sought from the Scottish Executive.