Following the letter and photo by Harry Atkins of a blocked drain (Letters, September 12), I know of a drain which has been blocked for three years. It is filled with Tarmac so the rain water will never drain away.

I told Brighton and Hove City Council about this three years ago as it is outside a retirement block where my mother lives.

I was concerned because, when the cold weather began that year and the water turned to ice, it was evident how dangerous this could be, especially for older people who had to manoeuvre themselves around this ice rink.

I was told three years ago by the council that it would be checked out in the next inspection. What happened? Nothing, as usual. I will be sending the photos off to them and asking if this blocked drain can have some very overdue attention before an accident happens this winter.

Debbie Jordan, Loder Road, Brighton

I completely agree with Harry Atkins’s observations as I also have two such blocked drains in close proximity to my house in Coldean.

I have reported them on no less than three occasions in the past 18 months as we live at the bottom of a hill and, during severe rain, they present a flooding risk to the properties opposite Rushlake Road.

Why is it that the council does not feel this sensible preventative measure of ensuring storm drains function properly warrants action before the winter rain sets in?

Russell Robinson, Park Road, Coldean

Blocked drains cause flooding and need to be cleaned regularly. Harry Atkins’s letter and photo proves that, in some cases, this is obviously not possible.

One of the reasons why some drains are constantly missed from being cleaned is that cars are parked on them, making it impossible for them to be accessed.

Instead of squandering money on clearing up after illegally-parked travellers, why doesn’t the council put double-yellow lines around all drains to enable access for contractors to clean them?

Adrian Smith, Clappers Lane, Fulking

I have also reported a blocked drain in my area with a sycamore tree growing in it.

This is a false economy. The drains in Peacehaven are in a bad way but it doesn’t seem as if my authority, Lewes District Council, is that bothered about it, either...

Peggy Crisp, Glynn Road, Peacehaven