Blocked drain issue goes on

I REFER to the letter (Have Your Say, December 12) relating to flooding and the link with blocked drains.

Mr Lewis refers to the formation of a voluntary force of pensioners to act as flood prevention officers. This is to his credit, but I should remind him that he, like thousands of other OAPs and adults, have contributed monthly for many years, towards the maintenance of our drainage systems. We have done so in the payment of required community tax.

Unfortunately, the priorities of local authorities appear to have been elsewhere, not during just 2012 — one of the wettest years on record — but for many years past. Walk along most roads on side streets and you will observe kerbside drains, blocked by several feet of accumulated silt.

The removal of this, which is far from simple, is required before the conventional use of 'gully suckers' is possible. The accumulated silt and rubbish prevents the normal actions of allowing rainwater to penetrate drainage systems. As a result it flows elsewhere, contributing to flooding problems. Excess water on roads splashes onto pavements, and during freezing winter conditions adds to the risks faced by motorists.

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If we neglect the regular payment of our community tax, we are threatened with court action, I therefore find it hypocritical that local authorities neglect such a vital part of our public services.

N P Bate

Cimla, Neath