Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding in the Bristol Avon valley. Winter rainfall will increase by at least 10 per cent in the next decade. In our valley we rely heavily on the flood plains taking water, slowing the flow of water into the river, absorbing water into the ground and the aquifers, thus storing it for future use. The growing of maize on the flood plain fields seriously reduces their ability to absorb and store water due to compaction, usually leaving the fields bare of crops during the winter. Soil erosion is increased in maize fields so increasing the silt in our rivers, and polluting them with nitrogen and phosphates.

The maize is being used to feed cattle in sheds, or being used to produce bio-fuel.

One of the most efficient and cheapest flood defences would be to stop maize being grown on flood plains, and pay farmers to allow more of their fields to flood, increasing the flood plain volume.

Farmers and land owners receive £3.6bn in subsidies each year, so we are paying maize growers to increase the flood risk to our homes.

Ian Cardy, Watson’s Court.