Madam, May I through your pages wholeheartedly congratulate Herefordshire Council on its undoubtedly-sensible decision to refuse planning permission for the construction of ten new houses on a wholly-unsuitable site in Lea. Potential harm to vulnerable wildlife, poor access and the danger of increased surface water flooding were among a host of reasons that made this development untenable.

The council should now go one better however, and take rapid action to rebuild the village's drainage system. Lea's drains are gradually disintegrating, with residents and local businesses having to endure flooding as a consequence.

The sewers need upgrading too - and if Welsh Water can find over £500,000 to upgrade the waste water network in Pembridge, then surely it can reach down the back of its corporate sofa and find some money to spend in Lea.

Stephen Banner, Lea