WITH new flood warnings in place (The Press, January 8), now is the time to ignore the environment, RSPB, RSPCA and all the other “do-gooders” and clean the rivers out, cutting back branches and weed overgrowth.

I have been advocating this for 48 years when the River Derwent was last dredged out. The suffering and cost of all this flooding to local residents has been traumatic. The recent report of plastic on river beds causing concern to the wildlife and human health with plastic particles found in fish is alarming and another reason for cleaning out rivers.

The recent work carried out by electronic engineers should be commended not criticised by Ian Patterson and the like. It all goes to prove we cannot govern the weather. David Cameron should insist that those responsible for river floods do a national clear out – the sooner the better.

Pamela Frankland, Lodge Farm, Hull Road, Dunnington, York.