READING the letter from Nick Mills (Oxford Flood Alliance Steering Group) about the western relief channel (or whatever they call it), I noticed no mention was made about maintaining this channel.

We all know that years of neglect of the rivers and drainage channels and building on the flood plains greatly contribute to the problems connected with flooding.

Therefore, in a few years’ time, when, and if, the western relief channel is built and is allowed to silt up and the shallowly sloping sides (flood plains) mentioned are built on, we will have the same problems.

If the Thames and all the other rivers in Oxfordshire were dredged and all the fallen trees and rubbish that builds up against them, causing a dam effect, were to be cleared, not only would it cost far less money and create employment, it would allow the rivers to flow.

Another side effect of this would be that nature and the environment would also benefit from cleaner rivers and river banks which everyone would benefit from.

KEITH BROOKS Gateley Horspath

Today’s letters

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