A LITTLE more than two weeks ago, we had cause to use this column to highlight the continuing frustration of the many Worcester people whose homes were devastated by last year's floods.

Last night, they had an opportunity to vent their anger at representatives of the city council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent.

More than 100 people demanded to know what was being done to spare them from the nightmare of having their homes inundated by floodwaters this year.

Let's face it, the River Severn's natural balance is now so out of kilter that at any time from early autumn to late spring vulnerable residents might, once again, be faced with the prospect of having to evacuate their homes.

And that means that action has to be taken by the powers-that-be.

It's all very well to talk about the introduction of floating walkways, flip-down road signs, traffic management and better information - though such topics at least show that some lessons have been learnt about how to manage the chaos.

But the key questions remain unanswered - what flood defence systems need to be used and when will they be introduced?

The houses aren't going to move, the flooding season is longer than ever before and the area affected is bigger than ever - so a solution must be found.

We know that the city council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent have not been sitting on their hands, but we're sure that a Worcester Residents' Flood Committee will keep those agencies on their toes.