LATE one night during the October floods, I heard a brief snippet on the radio about a Ryedale gritting lorry being co-opted to fill sandbags.

This seemingly excellent use of expensive plant which might otherwise be standing idle seemed worth pursuing and I have tried to arouse interest in it with the Environment Agency and other local bodies from the county council downwards. But I have had little feedback so far.

I suggest these gritter lorries might be designated dual-purpose vehicles, with a supply of sand near to the grit, so that when floods are imminent they can be loaded and placed on standby, capable of swift dispersal to crisis points carrying previously- filled sandbags, then returning for sand and further bags to be filled on site, but requiring only a small handling party and freeing soldiers and volunteers for other emergencies

Obviously, test exercises to find the best way of conducting some such system would be necessary before any future flooding arises.

Richard Leigh Perkins,

Lastingham.