The Environment Agency issued a flood warning Wednesday night on the River Thames through Oxford, raising flooding alert levels from flood watch earlier this week. A second flood warning is also in place on the Thame from Eynsham Lock in Eynsham to Sandford Lock in Sandford-on-Thames alongside one on the River Ray covering Islip, Ludgershall and Blackthorn, as well as Murcott, Wendlebury and Odington. Flooding of the River Thames could affect Dorchester, Moreton, Wasterstock and Wheatley, Chippinghurst and Drayton St. Leonard.
The second highest state of alert, which means that flooding is expected, has called for a move-in of water pumps and emergency flood defenses into the city. Residents of the Botley and Osney areas in west Oxford have particularly been warned to be risk areas for the night. Tim Sandler, Oxford City Council ’s interim executive told the Oxford Mail that the flood threat could spread to south Oxford by later Thursday or Friday. “The situation is changeable and we will be monitoring the situation throughout the night. We should encourage residents to monitor the situation as well and be responsible for their own properties,” he said.
Dave Etheridge, assistant chief fire officer has assured the current threat of floods to be “more predictable” than the devastating floods of July 2007.
“Following the close working and advice from the Environment Agency concerning flood prediction and further rainfall we are clearly, at this stage, dealing with a more predictable set of circumstances that we had in July 2007,” he told the Oxford Mail.
“There is a fantastic team effort under way to ensure that the properties which may be flooded are being personally contacted and face to face advice given concerning their protection,” he added.
However, residents out of Oxford city fear a more grave threat and have raised their voices for the Environment Agency ’s lack of prior warning and preparation. The River Ock breaking its banks early Thursday morning is threatening Abingdon residents and Ascott-under-wychwood, a small parish town in west Oxfordshire has already flooded leaving residents up to their knees in floodwater. Road A417 has also been closed both ways between Lechlade on Thames and Buscot.
For more flooding advice, see the Environment Agency , Oxford County Council and Oxford City Council websites or call 0845 988 1188.
