WE have never been opposed to the building of what is now proposed to be 465 new homes on the former defence base at North Site.

New homes bring more people, more money for local businesses and new input into the community. We need more homes, they are part of being a vibrant and exciting town.

But they can't just be built with no regard to existing residents.

Despite the continued assurances of Worcestershire County Council, we still have grave doubts about the ability of the road network in that part of town to cope with the additional traffic.

Last week's floods reminded us of another consideration, which had perhaps been forgotten against the problems of traffic, but one which, with climate change, isn't going to go away.

Pictures of the flooding in Leigh Sinton Road demonstrate that the drainage system isn't capable of coping with heavy rain now and adding so many more new homes is not going to help.

It was a wake up call and it's good to see the controlling Liberal Democrat group on Malvern Hills District Council have responded with a meeting to discuss the issue.

The council must insist this issue is properly addressed before full planning permission is given, because it won't be forgiven if residents end up with flooded homes.

GREAT things can come from adversity, just look at the story of Cradley resident Chris Hare.

She lost the use of her right hand after suffering a stroke, but through determination found a hidden talent when she learnt to paint with her left hand. Her Christmas cards have since raised over £9,000 for charity.