I AM writing to express my concern regarding the fallout over the flood crisis.

The absence of joined up thinking and a co-ordinated approach by the coalition government is quite staggering.

The Prime Minister is now throwing bucketloads of money in an effort to solve the problem, but it is all too little, too late.

The situation down by Iford Bridge, not to mention the flooding from Sturminster Newton down to Christchurch, was an accident waiting to happen.

Clearly more flood defences are needed, but over the long-term, starting now, there should be legislation prohibiting development of any kind on flood plains.

Lives may not have been lost but valued possessions such as family photos will have been – and these are irreplaceable.

Buildings, furniture and white goods can be replaced, but at what cost?

Codes of conduct to planning authorities are a waste of time.

Something needs to be enshrined in law which cannot be broken. Insurance companies will now raise premiums to levels where thousands of people will not be able to afford to protect homes or businesses.

The government should bite the bullet, and, if it means raising taxes, so be it. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

WARWICK RUST

Bure Close

Friars Cliff

Christchurch