I am increasingly amazed at the use of the term 'flood plain', especially in relation to the recent floods or proposed development on Swindon's Front Garden.

As a geography teacher, I have been teaching my pupils about what a flood plain is. Suddenly there seem to be so many experts who freely use this term in an incorrect way.

I have consulted the bible of all geographers Principles of Physical Geography by FJ Monkhouse which describes a flood plain as being a wide flat area either side of a river in its old age stage, ie near to the sea.

From what I know of the River Ray as it flows through the Front Garden it is neither in its old age stage nor near the sea. Indeed, the river is less than five miles from its source and rarely is more than three metres in width.

The contents of the channel are but a drop of those described by Monkhouse. So please can the campaigners against development note that the Front Garden is not on a flood plain.

Also can Tel Hudson note that there is no run off from the downs as they are made of chalk and are permeable, hence the lack of streams flowing over them.

Water falling onto the downs travels down into the water table.

I am also a resident of Westlea, which was known prior to 1979 as part of the 'bog lands'. It is an area of heavy clay soil where the water table is frequently high, as my soggy lawn will give evidence to.

Before building began this land was very similar to the Front Garden. However it is now well drained with streams taking the excess water away.

How many homes were flooded in the recent heavy rains? Exactly the drainage worked!

I J Howard

Risingham Mead, Swindon