First floods then drought

I read with interest the article on flood water in the Swindon area. I am not surprised to see the photos at all. Think about where Swindon is and how water has to flow away from it, basically ditches, streams and of course storm water drains.

The level of development in the Swindon area is in my opinion unsustainable due to water supply and disposal. Huge areas of open farmland are being put under impervious layers by planners, ably assisted by developers who have no interest in people, only pound notes. Not only are we creating misery for those poor souls who get flooded, but also adding to the problems further down the River Thames, in Swindon’s case and further down the Bristol Avon in Royal Wootton Bassett’s case.

Of course we are in a wet spell of weather at present, but when we get a dry spell there will be shouts of drought and demands to save water. Oh, what a suprise, how can the water get to the aquifers when everywhere is covered in concrete and tarmac! Where will our vegetables, milk, meat etc. come from with the reduction of farmland?

We are an island and the present rate of building is unsustainable, as is the rate of increase in the country’s poulation. I realise the problem is a difficult one to resolve but we are heading for major problems if we don't address them.

Chris Wannell Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon