We all remember the floods earlier this year across Surrey, and hope that lessons have been learned.

This message does not seem to have reached some in the Conservative administration of Elmbridge Council.

At a recent committee meeting, where the Environment Agency gave a presentation on the winter 2013-14 flooding, a senior Conservative councillor complained that not being able to build on the flood plain was “a blight on development”.

While we welcome any new flood defences, the flood plains play a vital part in absorbing both ground water flooding, that cannot flow into the rivers, and also water that the river defences do not hold back.

This view is supported by the Environment Agency, and to build on the flood plains will just make the next serious floods even more damaging.

But some Conservative councillors seem determined to confirm the view held by many residents that Conservative councillors in Elmbridge should be known as the “developers’ friends”.

COUN RUTH LYON

Thames Ditton Residents’ Association