SIR – I have lived in or known Upton-upon-Severn since 1933 and, as an octogenarian, have witnessed a few floods during that time. Certainly the same houses have always been affected when the river floods but until recently the procedure for the occupants was pretty straightforward, furniture was moved upstairs and when the water subsided the flagstones were scrubbed off and everything returned to normal. Indeed it is fair to say that within 24 hours all the pub landlords along the river front were pulling pints. Trouble is, in this day and age it is difficult to lug a three-piece suite upstairs with washing machines and deep freeze, hence we now have a problem with flooding where previously it was taken as a matter of course.

What I find astonishing is the sum of money being proposed to alleviate the situation, £1.8 million to £4.5 million. The number of properties affected by flooding at its worst is perhaps 30. That works out at some £60,000 at the lower estimate or £150,000 at the higher estimate per household. I am aware that sum mentioned is also for the construction of the bund but I have to say unless you completely enclose the town then Upton will continue to flood.

Perhaps a different approach should be considered – a grant for affected householders to waterproof their properties.

CHRIS TAYLOR,
Worcester.