THEY are off. More than 1,000 pretty cards are on their way to Whitehall.

The first batch went in to a letterbox in St Peter's Street at the weekend and the rest will follow at regular intervals.

All are destined for the desk of Elliot Morley, Secretary of State for the Environment.

Each card, depicting Hereford in Flood, has been signed by a local person and bears a simple message for the Minister.

"Please keep your promise and start a flood defence scheme for Hereford.''

Hereford Campaign for Flood Defences, a voluntary group, says the money promised for the Hereford project was diverted to another county project - now it wants it reinstated.

The Minister has been reminded that when Hereford roads, homes and businesses flood the city comes to a standstill.

More than 1,000 supportive cards with their distinctive logo are being sent to London, and a petition, already with 2,000 names will follow.

Hereford MP Paul Keetch is also delivering a letter to Mr Morley and arranging for a deputation from Hereford to meet him at Westminster.

Local councillors are being urged to give their support and Hereford Chamber of Commerce is canvassing help from its members.

Businesses and industry leaders in the city are being asked to write directly to the Minister explaining the economic effects of flooding and asking Mr Morley when flood defence work is expected to start.