OVER the 20 odd years I have lived here, the problem of flooding has been a hardy perennial in the Malvern Gazette.

The inescapable fact is that Upton is a pinch point on the Severn, so anything which makes it easier for the river to flow past the town will help reduce water levels during floods.

In the past I have suggested that the culverts under the Tunnel Hill road be widened to speed flow round the west side of the town. Now the enlargement of the Marina could provide a means of improving flood flow to the east rather than arguing that development will only obstruct the flood plain. Coupled with the building of a bridge to raise the Pershore Road for the rare occasions that flooding blocks the road, a river 'bypass' through the extended marina would reduce average flood levels in the town. The water has to go somewhere, so we might as well take advantage of an opportunity to improve flood defences and visitor amenities at the same time.

Some thought should also be given to removing flood flow obstructions by the refuse site, over New Street to the sports field.

ANTHONY HOPWOOD, Holdfast, Upton-upon-Severn.