SIR — Why, one wonders, do people get all upset when the rivers and streams burst their banks and flood the surrounding countryside.

I can understand the trauma brought about by the current heavy rainfalls in our area of West Somerset, but it is not a new phenomenon.

The cause of global warming, car exhaust emissions which the experts have been telling us for the past 50 years are the main cause, is just not true.

Documentary evidence exists which proves that this has been going on long before the motor car became popular but I wonder if in those days the experts pointed the finger at the emissions from the horse? No doubt they sniffed at such trivia.

To throw a bit of light on similar problems of years gone by here in West Somerset, I give you the following letter which I came across in our local records office, concealed in a dusty old document, when researching old roads and footpaths of Old Cleeve parish. It was written on 4th January 1901:

Dear Sirs,

I beg to call the attention of the parish council to the state of Lower Washford in line of extra rainfall. Twice during the past year the roads here have been flooded and impassable. Houses have been flooded and your school under water.

Such a state of things certainly requires your attention, as dampness is most injurious to the youth of the parish. Consumption has been, and is still prevalent amongst us and who is to say that this disease has not had its origin through sitting in a damp school in youth.

Trusting you will give this your kind attention.

I am yours faithfully, H. Broomfield.

Julian Bruford,

Gleaner,

Millstream Close,

Minehead.