SO York could face a £11.5 million bill for repairs to properties if the Leeman Road flood defences fail (The Press, February 12).

Which they will because as the flood defences get higher, so does the silt on the bottom of the River Ouse. As the silt rises, the water rises and over it goes.

Massive bills and heartache for hundreds of people and businesses. Spend some money on dredging the river and this could be avoided. And as the flood defences grow, Selby now in place, the water has to go somewhere – but where? My guess is the surrounding villages like Naburn and Cawood. It will undoubtedly happen, but when is the ticking question.

Graham Watson, Buller Street, Selby.