IN the wake of the recent flooding disasters along the banks of the River Derwent may we comment on the letters from N Hartas and L Clarke (Evening Press, March 17).

We have boat moorings at Thorganby, and our concern at the apparent complete lack of basic husbandry along the four mile stretch of river from Thorganby upstream to Elvington, prompted us to write twice in 1998 to the Environment Agency and English Nature about this problem.

On this stretch, the river in parts becomes no more than a wide beck, being severely constricted by willow trees. Some of these are growing horizontally from the banks.

Down comes the rain, down stream comes natural debris and it gets caught in these obstacles and causes blockage.

Wheldrake Ings stands in flood water some eight months of the year, turning what was once a hay meadow into a man-made lake. Now this is fine if you are a duck, but must be detrimental to other natural inhabitants.

While being in favour of conservation, it must be stated the willow does not fall in this category.

Break one twig off a willow, plant it in anything except concrete, and it will grow. This tree is a survivor!In the 'olden days' the river was dredged, banks were maintained.

Why can't obstacles such as weirs be improved, and willows removed to ensure a decent current?

Like Mr Clark, we're not experts on river management, but would support his proposal for a detailed study.

This must be cheaper than the expense incurred by the residents upstream, where some living rooms were under three feet of flood water.

It was an exceptional flood, but it won't be the last unfortunately, and no doubt those residents are asking anybody who will listen what preventative measures can be taken and they deserve answers.

P and J Logan,

Meadow Way,

Huntington,

York.

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