THANK you to The Forester for highlighting the issue of potential flooding in Awre and Minsterworth.

If large numbers of properties were at risk I am sure that the Environment Agency would find the money to maintain flood defences along this part of the shoreline.

However, because it is primarily farmland, they take a different stand point.

This though, is incredibly short sighted. At a time of growing world food shortages, Britain needs its farmers to produce more to feed our own burgeoning population.

That the Environment Agency can contemplate the potential loss of 500 acres of prime farmland is defies comprehension.

It is quite clear that it is beyond the capabilities of local farmers both to finance and to perform the work required.

Therefore, even at a time of financial constraint, the protection of our homeland from external threat, including floods has to be the absolute duty of the state. Let it not be forgotten that tax payers from the Forest help to pay for the Environment Agency.

I hope that even at this late stage, a more long term view that recognises the importance of agriculture will prevail.

Richard Leppington

UKIP