THANK GOODNESS we have the Hereford Times to echo the common sense views of the people of our county in their letters concerning the flooding problems.

In particular the editorial (February 12) made a great deal of sense in stressing the floods only intensified the real problem of traffic - ie it is always a problem and should be addressed.

If anything should happen to Greyfriars Bridge and repairs were required the whole county would be plunged into unmitigated disaster with only the old bridge able to take traffic.

Perhaps some of the simple solutions suggested by readers should be attempted. 'Holding lakes' have been tested in other parts of the country and found to be most beneficial, as demonstrated by catastrophic flooding on Kent's River Stour (and tributaries), which is now a thing of the past thanks to an ingenious piece of local engineering, which created huge containment lakes above and below the worst affected areas in Ashford.

If Kent councillors could react to scathing criticism from residents who endured years of misery in such an innovative fashion, perhaps our councillors should pay a visit to Kent and see if such a scheme might benefit our county?

ANDREA RUDGE,

Walnut Tree Avenue, Hereford.