I FEEL David Lock was way out of order in trying to proscribe what topics we may or may not approach our Prime Minister with, on Tony Blair's visit to flood-beset Bewdley.

Sadly, his constituents do not have his access to Number 10, and any of us who have ever made a direct approach to central government will testify to the very perfunctory nature of the responses.

The floods will come and go again, and will rarely threaten lives, whereas the 60-mile ambulance dashes, the 12-hour trolley-waits, the pain, inconvenience, distress and sheer mortal peril of having no acute hospital in Wyre Forest will go on forever.

I'm sorry if Mr Lock was upset that the people of Bewdley didn't stick to the script.

They only had one chance - and they took it!

RUTH WILCOXON

Belvedere Crescent

Bewdley

DAVID Lock's petulent comments about hospital protesters interrupting Tony Blair's photo-opportunity at Bewdley's floods reflects an unacceptable arrogance.

We are pleased that he came to talk about flood protection but, in an open, democratic society, political leaders have to listen to the electorate on matters we, the electorate, wish to raise - not just talk at us.

JOHN JORDAN

Park Lane, Bewdley

TONY Blair's brief tour of Bewdley reminded me of a Roman emperor deigning to mingle with the common people.

Except, of course, that our New Labour emperor didn't actually mingle.

He was surrounded by an entourage which effectively kept the people (and local journalists) at bay.

Sensing the local mood, he cut short his visit and cancelled the promised meeting with local householders, muttering an enigmatic "I've got the message" - whatever that actually means.

Such a short visit was obviously a PR stunt geared towards the television news.

The flooding along the River Severn is, of course, a tragedy affecting a great number of local people.

But what a tragedy it is, that it takes something on this scale to get Tony Blair to visit Wyre Forest.

For, aside from the present flood problems, we have a rural community in crisis, local post offices under pressure, downgraded health services, and a new incinerator planned for the area.

Once the waters have receded, let's see how vigorously the politicians address the concerns of local people.

MARK SIMPSON

Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

Wyre Forest

AFTER our MP's performance on television during the Prime Minister's visit to Bewdley, perhaps we should be asking Dr Taylor to do a Martin Bell in this constituency at the next election.

Instead of a white suit, we could send a man in a white coat and stethoscope to Parliament.

Speaking as a lifelong Labour supporter, if the Conservative voters of Tatton can do it to make a point, so can we.

And while we're about it, perhaps we should send a couple more men in white coats for David Lock.

JL BROOKE

Ribbesford Road, Areley Kings

I WATCHED the television news with both anger and amazement as David Lock berated hospital protesters during the Prime Minister's visit to flood-stricken Bewdley.

He has obviously failed to grasp the impact of the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital on the residents of Bewdley who, despite being up to their knees in flood water, gave voice to their anger over this important issue.

He has more chance of observing a flock of dodos flying across the Rifle Range than being re-elected next term.

So please, Mr Lock, resign now and give us the opportunity to elect a Member of Parliament for Wyre Forest, not against.

PJ DAVIS

Sutton Park Road

Kidderminster

HOW dare David Lock complain that the Prime Minister was "hijacked" - his words - about the quickly organised and very effective demonstration that took place when his leader visited Bewdley.

If Mr Lock had done his job properly and advised his equally ineffective Minister of Health, Alan Milburn, and the Prime Minister, of the problems he may encounter on his visit he may not have been "hijacked". Whose side is he on?

As the residents of the affected areas of the floods of Bewdley have suggested, the floods are temporary and will recede. The problems of the lack of proper care available at the excellent Kidderminster Hospital will not.

This is not party politics, this affects all members of his constituency, however they vote.

MARTIN ATKINSON

Snuff Mill Walk, Bewdley

THE people of Bewdley have at last been able to tell the Prime Minister, face to face, of their anger and despair at having had their hospital taken away.

The population of Wyre Forest and the surrounding areas are appalled by the fragmented and inadequate service that has replaced Kidderminster Hospital.

It is just possible that the Prime Minister has, until now, been unaware of the state of affairs in Worcestershire.

He said he is kept up to date with the situation in Worcestershire - but where does he get his information from?

Please, GPs and consultants, add your voices to those of your patients.

Together we will be heard.

JEAN COOPER

Habberley Road, Trimpley

I WOULD like to congratulate David Lock for once again ignoring the views of the people of Wyre Forest on the BBC local news, Thursday, November 2.

Tony Blair came to Bewdley to see the floods, and was heckled by nasty people who just want a hospital. David Lock was embarrassed. Isn't that a shame?

Look on the bright side though - now that Bewdley is flooded it's a good job that you are so used to sitting on a fence, isn't it David?

PAUL HOLMES

St Oswalds Close, Kidderminster