I LIVED on the Wain Homes estate in Barlby until November 4 when we were flooded out.

My husband, one-year-old daughter and myself were alerted to the flooding by a police announcement outside our home at 11pm on November 3. At no point were we given help to evacuate and no sandbags were provided. In fact, we were not aware of any risk. It seemed, via the media, that any risk was in York.

After the trauma of losing our home, finding somewhere to live, sorting through our remaining possessions we were not in the mood for jollity.

We had bought tickets for The League of Gentlemen at York Barbican for last Thursday.

When we rang to cancel, we were told even though it was a sell out we could not have a refund. Are the people in Selby not even worth the price of two tickets to the York Barbican Centre - or is it true that bureaucracy does rule the world?

Amanda Padgett,

Cherry Tree Court,

Barlby, Selby.

...AFTER reading the article about the York flood relief fund (November 15), I started to consider all the businesses who will participate over the coming months in the clear-up operation and extensive renovation process.

It will be substantial work all borne out of hundreds of families' misery.

So I ask contractors to search their consciences. Many people have already given freely of their time and efforts to help so many unfortunate people. The business community of York and surrounding areas has the ability to move that process forward by giving a small percentage of money they earn from the flood victims back into the relief fund.

Phillip Kidd

Managing Director,

Kidd's Services Yorkshire,

International House,

Kidd Park, Cliff Road, Hornsea.