I CAN understand the feelings of Pickering residents about their flood defences; but was it really necessary to express them in such a distasteful and offensive manner (March 30)?

I know that the photograph of the mock funeral has caused considerable distress to the members and friends of recently bereaved families.

Chris Nickol,

Maiden Greve, Malton.

Updated: 11:13 Monday, April 05, 2004