MAY I, on behalf of the residents of Westlands Lane, and for the second time in 10 months, say how very grateful we all are for the outstanding efforts of the Wiltshire Fire Brigade crew who once again displayed their true professionalism in dealing with the worsening floods that affected Westlands Lane.

All residents hope that the relevant authorities will take the optimum action in the shortest possible timescale to alleviate these continuing problems. It is abundantly clear that further flooding will occur unless prompt and effective action is taken.

CLLR CJ HOLMES,

Westlands Lane,

Beanacre,

Melksham.

I AM writing with regards to these floods that we have been having over the last week or so, over Wiltshire and the outlying districts.

I think a lot of them could be avoided if the drains and ditches were dug and cleaned out as in 1940 when I worked on a farm and they were all done by hand.

Is it a question of cut-backs?

MR NE FERRETT,

Corsham.

I WAS the lady your paper reported being trapped in the car in the Staverton floods (November 3). Could you please extend my heartfelt thanks to the lorry driver who rescued me, the hospital car-driver, and the police who took me home.

MRS DJ BOULTER,

Farleigh Close,

Westbury.

As the severe weather continues to take its toll in communities across the country, I would like to publicly thank the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) volunteers in the Wiltshire area who have given their time to help those in distress.

WRVS emergency service teams have been working closely with local authorities, police, fire and ambulance personnel to maintain much needed and much appreciated rest and reception centres for those affected by current conditions.

Many of these volunteers, working in shifts around the clock, have also been affected by recent storms and flooding. Typically, however, they have put the needs of others ahead of their own domestic problems.

TINA TIETJEN,

Chairperson,

WRVS.

So Bradford on Avon's Town Bridge survived the floods this time. But one day it won't, and if we are to believe the gloomy environmentalists, that tragedy may be soon.

And what contingency plans are there for a Bradford without a Town Bridge and effectively cut in half?

Emergency services, schoolchildren, families etc facing a seven-mile detour to get to the other half.

A Bradford by-pass NOW! Last week's flood lesson proved its necessity.

Allan Baker,

Trowbridge Road,

Bradford on Avon.