SIR – I was very shocked by the callous attitude of C Paterson when he said that the houses in Hylton Road should go and the trees should have stayed.

Whilst I appreciate the loss of mature trees is a great pity, this cannot be equated to the huge loss of people’s homes and the constant fear of being flooded every time it rains hard. I guess C Paterson lives in an area free from flood risk and couldn’t begin to imagine the horror of losing your home and everything you have worked hard for to stenching floodwater.

Once the work is completed, the land will be landscaped and many new trees planted. Both the residents and tourists to Worcester will be able to walk along it and appreciated the beautiful view, while the residents and businesses of Hylton Road will be able to sleep safely in their beds at night.

MARY DHONAU, Chief Executive, The National Flood Forum, Bewdley.