Sir – With reference to John Phillpott’s Northwick bomb crater, this was an urban myth.

During the severe flood in 1963 a very large willow tree on the bank of the Severn was felled by the weight of rubbish piling onto it. The root ball was torn out leaving a large hole. This is why the old river commissioners kept the banks clear of tree growth.

A local boat builder started excavating the site with a digger but, not having planning permission, he was stopped from creating a large marina. This is the explanation of the depression now proposed as a mooring.

Max Sinclair
Worcester