SIR - Mike Pryce states that Worcester bridge closed during the 1947 flood.

Unlike 2000, it was kept open the whole time. Lorries had their exhausts extended to above curb level, seats provided and were used to ferry people to and from St John's from early morning till late at night.

Three things make the floods of 1947 different. What I remember most is the noise of the rushing waters, not like a bubbling brook in 2000. The flood was one foot high on the upstream, down stream there were eight large whirlpools formed about 15 to 20 foot from the bridge, caused by the piers.

It was nothing like the gentle flow as shown in the photograph.

M SIMPKINS,

Fernhill Heath.

I