I READ with interest the letter in the Journal concerning flooding in Chitterne from Mr Ricketts.

He is incorrect in his complaint that nothing has been done since the devastating floods of last year which sadly resulted in 500 dwellings suffering from flooding across Wiltshire. In Chitterne a great deal has been achieved by local residents, the parish council, Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency working closely together.

However, one of the problems we have experienced is the need for better coordination in the parish of Chitterne, the lack of coordination manifested itself with their request for flooding supplies being requested without a delivery address for these supplies.

The parish of Chitterne were made well aware, before Mr Ricketts wrote his unhelpful letter, that the flooding supplies requested were being delivered (free of charge) this week. They were also told that the critical ditch clearance was being done this week which needs Environment Agency approval and must be done in the winter months. Wiltshire Council has delivered these flooding actions in Chitterne as planned and without Mr Ricketts' intervention.

We are now working with Chitterne and the Environment Agency to agree a substantial flood alleviation scheme as soon as funds become available but Mr Ricketts needs to accept that every community that sadly suffered from flooding last year is competing for the same funding.

Wiltshire Council will do its best with all flooding issues in the county and has a track record of achievement on flood alleviation as Chitterne has seen this week.

Jonathon Seed

Cabinet member for communities, campuses, area boards, leisure, libraries and flooding member for Summerham and Seend Wiltshire Council