THIS summer's floods caused unprecedented chaos across Worcestershire, with at least one third of the damage resulting from blocked drains and culverts due to poor maintenance.

With every prospect of repeat weather conditions to come, I can have little confidence that the county council are doing anywhere near enough to make sure that drains can operate to capacity rather than be the cause of more flash flooding next time.

I have been contacted by one resident who says that he has reported blocked drains on the A443 near Hallow four times, to little avail.

With barely enough money to repair potholes and pavements, it seems that routine drains maintenance is destined to fall by the wayside until the effects of further flooding force the issue back on to the public agenda once again.

Richard Burt, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, West Worcestershire, Worcester Road, Malvern.