AS regards the plight of the elderly flood victims in Lakeside, my sympathy of course is very much with them.

Your report last week (January 8) seems to imply that nothing was being done to help these same victims which was the case at the time as I was not approached for assistance - it was only some days later that I learned of their plight from other flood victims from Upper Lakeside who I personally supplied with sandbags.

As soon as I learnt of the situation in Lakeside Avenue on December 27 I met with several of the residents who were concerned that there would be a reoccurrence of the flooding events that took place on Christmas Eve. Action on the Saturday was taken by myself and councillor Alan Preest to try and clear the drainage ditch behind number 115 Lakeside Avenue to remove debris which could possibly cause a reoccurrence of flooding from another storm forecasted the following Sunday evening.

There may have been in excess of 165 followers on Facebook and now I have received sight of a petition seeking action with a similar number of signatures, but just five residents actually turned up with a proactive attitude when we struggled to clear the debris on the Saturday afternoon. I personally delivered 25 sandbags (supplied by the town council) to three properties as a precautionary measure.

Mr Legg, who was mentioned in your report, later emailed me thanking me for the action of clearing the ditch and remarked that it undoubtedly saved properties from further flood damage but it was Colin Legg who was the hero of the early hours of Christmas Eve, risking life and limb by unblocking the drainage trash screen, releasing the storm water into the main culvert, which then drained away within minutes.

On the following Monday, Jason Westmorland, Forest of Dean District Council drainage officer, also visited the area, concerned, and met with myself and residents.

I am told that the owners of the land and ditch in question which caused the flood water blockage, on instruction from the Forest of Dean District Council, are now currently clearing this site of the remaining trash and wood cuttings.

FDDC officers are also investigating the inadequate storm water drain interceptors at the bottom of the Fallers Field development, which also, it seems, contributed to the problems.

In times of crisis, like in this instance, it is a challenging and testing time for us all. I can say I have not turned my back on my electorate and I tried to help to the best of my ability.

James Bevan

Lydney town & district councillor