WE are the people of Picoco and since the start of this year we have been suffering floods in Mozambique. We thank you for the help in our moment of need.

We express our solidarity with you and the your flooding situation. Sadly, we do not have the means to help you financially, but want you to know our hearts are with you. We heard on the radio that York and other areas have been victims of heavy rains.

Picoco is a small village that has been built after our floods. So far, we are 250 families who have moved here from different parts of southern Mozambique.

We still do not lead a normal life - no adequate school or health services - but we are truly grateful to every person who supported us.

We will always be with you in thoughts and prayers.

Maria Rostino and Sister Norma,

Picoco Village,

Boane, Maputo,

Mozambique.

...I READ with increasing anger the report in last Tuesday's Evening Press about the Environment Agency's plans to prevent further flooding, together with a report that Coun Keith Orrell wishes to see water pumped from the fields into the Derwent.

While I accept the difficulties facing the farming community with flooded fields, it would be extremely unhelpful to the villages and communities further down the Derwent if water is pumped from the fields into the river before water levels around these communities have dropped significantly.

I know of the appalling flooding in Malton and Norton, but I wonder whether Coun Orrell is aware of the devastation wrought in Stamford Bridge, Elvington, Bubwith, Wressle and Breighton?

If he is, I am surprised by his demands. At Stamford Bridge flood-hit businesses and homeowners are working hard with East Riding of Yorkshire Council staff to clear up and try to get back to some semblance of normality.

We do not need any more flood water, from whatever source.

As for the Environment Agency, conspicuous by their absence from Stamford Bridge during this event, I am appalled by the cavalier manner in which they ignore stricken communities which do not have the luxury of flood defences. They make no suggestions about helping us.

Our flooding problems could be greatly alleviated by dredging and clearing the river of debris.

This the Environment Agency steadfastly refuses to do.

Instead they seem to indicate that wildlife interests are so important that communities must take second place.

I shudder to think what has happened to the wildlife during this latest flooding.

There is raw sewage, diesel, petrol, oil and disinfectant all being swilled into the river.

When that arrives on the wetlands it will not be good for the wildlife.

Hilary Saynor,

East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor, Main Street,

Stamford Bridge, York.