While blocked drains may have been a contributory factor to recent flooding in Malvern, I think a wider issue is being missed.

The current trend to replace an area of grass with low maintenance block paving surely has a far greater impact - Meadow Road never used to flood but large accumulations of water are now common place as unsightly hard-standing takes over from grass with consequent run-off putting a strain on the already overworked drains. This is not only a local problem but a national one.

Is it not time to make planning permission a prerequisite for the replacement of grass with block paving? Such consent should only be granted when adequate drainage and soak-away have been professionally factored in and have subsequently been seen to be put in prior to the first block being put down.

J J E PARR, Suckley.