WHEN the sun reflects off the Severn on days like today, the floods of 2000 may seem a distant memory.

But people like Severn View Hotel landlord Ian Johnston have very vivid daily reminders and even greater worries about what the remainder of 2001 has in store.

He's concerned that rising silt levels will mean the Severn's banks bursting again, with devastating results.

He points to the mudbanks forming in Worcester as evidence that dredging is vital. But is he right?

The Environment Agency insists that would be a costly and temporary solution, because any silt removed would quickly be replaced.

We're not in a position to argue long against experts, but it occurs to us that more silt being added to the already growing mudbanks is going to leave even less room for floodwater next time it happens.

On the basis that it's extremely expensive and complicated to cut the volume of water flowing down the Severn Valley, it would seem common sense to increase the capacity of the channel instead.

Last December, we recall, the EA and British Waterways were taken to task when engineer Mark Holtham accused them of being more focused on the cost of remedial work than the value of its benefit.

It wasn't for us to take sides when Mr Holtham voiced his fears then, and it's not now.

But it would be wrong to pretend that, seven months on, we're not worried by the EA's admission that nothing is yet specifically planned to defend Worcester before the next flood season starts.

What's more, its two-year strategy to decide on flood prevention measures on other stretches of the river is still only on the drawing board.

Before the next downpour, all kinds of questions need to be answered. The public will be unforgiving, and with good cause, if the horrors of 2000 are repeated.