Thank you for your magazine on the Yorkshire floods. I hope our MPs read it. On the final page you pose the question: "What next?"

Recently you published my suggestion that a feasibility study be done to build a ten-mile diversionary canal around York and other towns to control the threat of floods, once and for all. There are examples of this in other parts of the country, eg the Fens, and the townsfolk of Hovingham have of course actually done it on a local scale recently. There are problems with funding for Environment Agency work, and the lack of response from MPs to my call for a feasibility study demonstrates clearly their lack of interest in effective measures.

Local MPs responses to my call for a feasibility study are as follows:

Hugh Bayley, York MP: Can't discuss it because he is not my MP, therefore passed it to my MP.

Anne McIntosh, Vale of York MP: Can't discuss, it ditto.

John Greenway, Ryedale (my MP): "I am aware that the Environment Agency is considering all possible options for the relief of flooding." Really?

Elliot Morley, minister with responsibility for floods: no reply.

Dr Mance, Environment Agency director of water management, has however passed the plan to the Dales Area manager in York. His address is Coverdale House, Aviator Court, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York. YO30 4GZ.

As long as the Government leaves it to local authorities and the Environment Agency who don't have the resources to deal with regional floods, they will happen again and again. Our local MPs lack the commitment and leadership qualities, because they are too preoccupied with being photographed with flood victims, rather than supporting studies into sustainable measures to prevent future flooding.

John Simpson,

Geldof Road,

Huntington, York.