It is good news, and not before time, that the Environment Agency has been given a stronger role in decisions for new developments (Flooding protection boost, Staines Guardian, October 5).

It is particularly good to hear that the issue of surface water runoff is now being addressed.

However attitudes need to change if we are serious about coping with this growing threat.

Developers should be made to pay their share for building defences. Tax payers can't be expected to pick up the bill when fat cats are making a killing from building on flood planes.

ANDREW MCLUSKEY Stanwell