THIRTY years ago rivers were annually dredged and bankside vegetation trimmed back but as soon as the water authorities were privatised that practice stopped. Now the likelihood of a return to dredging has been discussed the disposal of the dredged silt and bottom mud is not mentioned about what should be done with it.

Spreading the material thinly along the banks is preferred rather than just dumping huge heaps of the material untidily anywhere nearby. I believe the material makes good compost but taking it away to be processed would add to the time and costs involved.

The wildlife along the waterways must be given priority in any decisions of where to put the dredgings.

ADRIAN TAYLOR Duncan Close Eynsham