IN response to your report 'Down the drain' (July 12). I have sympathy with the people affected by the leaking water main.

But, at least they are fortunate that it has burst near a surface water drain which is allowing it to pass through, unlike quite a number of grates in the Heworth area that barely allow rain water to run away.

David Lockwood,

Heworth Village, York.

Updated: 09:35 Wednesday, July 20, 2005