In response to your editorial 'Can-do spirit ebbs' about flood defences (August 16), I say just because one cannot see progress being made it does not mean the initiatives have slowed or stopped.

In many parts of the city, and the county, measures are being taken to prevent such a disaster as occurred last November from happening again, and to avoid residents being driven from their homes.

The Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, City of York Council (officers and elected members), the Internal Drainage Boards, parish councils and other bodies have all been working on solutions, and continue to do so. Your editorial is at least unhelpful, and at worst insulting, to those who are still working to improve the flood defences and procedures.

I suggest your energies be more constructively spent considering the role of the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, which has allowed the defences to deteriorate, and who, this February, refused to commit the cash required to carry out the capital works recommended by the Environment Agency.

Richard S. Moore,

Deer Hill Grove,

Clifton Moor, York.

Updated: 10:25 Wednesday, August 22, 2001