RWE npower's plans to defer filling Thrupp Lake with fuel ash have been welcomed by everyone. If only it was a permanent decision.

It is 12 months since the trees were cut down at Thrupp Lake, and since then, their loss has had a remarkable effect on the groundwater.

This can be seen by the unusually high levels of water in the Thrupp and Bullfield Lakes and wetness in the surrounding land.

These trees aspirated a huge amount of water, and in a drought, their removal might have been helpful.

However, in last year's floods, the loss of these trees exacerbated the flooding.

The Environment Agency should revisit its flood modelling for this area.

These trees played a vital role and their loss has made the risk of flooding further downstream even more possible.

If this lake is filled with ash, the groundwater accommodation will be reduced catastrophically.

RWE npower should be urged to abandon its plans completely for the good of all the community.

LYNDA PASQUIRE Shaws Copse Radley