SIR,

Our MP, David Davies, in his open letter to over 100 residents (Beacon 17th October) was impressed by the work done by Melin homes and the Emergency services but did not offer one shred of sympathy to those affected by the flooding.

Instead he states that it is all due to birth rates and immigration levels. People in Monmouth deserve better than that.

Flooding causes misery and hardship and to be told by your MP that the council has no control over the problem is not helpful.

Our council is trying to make the problem worse by pushing through plans to build 400 more houses on the Wonastow Road in Monmouth on land which is under water every time there is heavy rain.

The meeting, where the local development plan will be pushed through on a whipped vote, is due to take place on 22nd November.

David Davies's remark about the building of these houses being forced upon MCC by the Welsh Government is cynical and is no more than an attempt to absolve the Conservative Councillors from being blamed in making an appalling decision which will affect Monmouth for decades.

Jean Wintle

(Monmouth)