I am one of the Patcham residents whose cottage was flooded by groundwater on the evening of November 6 last year.

Hopefully, one had realised by observing such incidents as flooded manholes that the risk of above-ground flooding was severe,

However, there is only so much one can do by moving belongings upstairs.

The water, when it comes, just rises quietly and steadily, in my case through the joints in a wood block floor.

Damage is bound to be severe. In fact I and several other Patcham households had to move out and live in temporary rented accommodation for more than six months.

It is not easy to organise extensive repairs and replacements and attend with care and accuracy to insurance claims in these conditions.

It is possible to install storm drains which would solve the problem of rising ground water.

Drainage in the East Anglian fens was successfully undertaken by Dutch engineers in the 17th Century and even earlier and more extensively in Holland.

Are we, in 2001, just going to stand by while no public authority takes responsibility for putting in place an effective installation?

Have all those drivers who use the A23 forgotten the danger and delay of the detour substituting for the flooded and closed A23?

Have rail travellers forgotten the flooded, closed Patcham tunnel? I hope not.

Does £11m really seem a large sum in terms of public finance? I think not and take for granted it will be found.

-Elfrida Oldfield, Church Hill, Patcham