Firefighters having to clear blocked drains after flash flooding was no doubt to clear the blockage that had caused the flash flooding.

We regularly check the tyre pressure and oil and water levels in our cars to avoid having an unpleasant and costly surprise — why is it that we neglect similar sensible precautions with our buildings, to clear gutters and drains as routine, to avoid the need for these costly panic measures?

Mick Oliver

Woodcroft Avenue, Stanmore