THE Guinness Flight Trustees claim, reported by the Gazette last week, that the Stonebridge meadows, in Marlborough, did not flood in the winter of 2000/2001 is in error, as any of the numerous people who use the footpath will know.

Not only were the meadows flooded, for many weeks there was river water running across the surface in places and the footpath to the Mildenhall road was impassable.

At the beginning of January 2001 the water level 200 metres downstream from the Stonebridge was just over one metre higher than it is this week.

Similar flooding has occurred during at least three winters of the last decade.

The suggestion that flooding will not occur because the river level has been permanently reduced does not hold up.

Flooding results from excessive run off during prolonged periods of heavy rain irrespective of the spring fed river level.

Because water meadows allow harmless accumulation followed by slow dispersal of the excess water, building over them can only lead to an increase in flood problems.

The meadows should also be protected from development because their abundance and diversity of wildlife, including the threatened water vole, kingfisher and water rail, provide an irreplaceable amenity close to the town centre.

MARTIN DIMENT

Vicarage Close

Marlborough