OXFORDSHIRE remained on flood alert last night after another deluge marked the first day of the new year.

Heavy rain started early in the morning with nearly 20mm falling across the county.

A flood alert was in place at the River Cherwell and its tributaries from Lower Heyford down to Oxford including Rousham, Enslow, Thrupp and Hampton Poyle.

The Environment Agency said while it did not expect any more flooding to property it was monitoring the situation.

On New Year’s Eve officers prepared by clearing debris from metal gates at Boundary Brook at Marsh Road.

EA officer Chris Barlow, said they had cleared a bag full of household rubbish from the brook.

He said: “People don’t realise that the rubbish they dump could block the brooks and rivers and potentially lead to flooding.”

EA worker Maurice Stephenson said: “We have our fingers crossed it doesn’t get much worse, but if it does we might have to think about putting up the demountable defences in Osney Island and Lake Street.”

Witney Gazette:

Lower Street, in Islip, pictured, remains closed due to flooding.

Ming Wun, owner of the Swan Inn in Lower Street, said: “Flooding makes it very difficult.

“A few days ago the entrance to the car park was completely flooded and so no cars could get in at all.”

A number of flood alerts were issued yesterday, including the River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon, the Letcombe Brook at Wantage, Grove and East Hanney, plus the Ginge Brook, from Steventon to Sutton Courtenay.

Flood alerts issued earlier remain in force, including the Evenlode from Moreton-in-Marsh to Cassington, the Thame, from Marsworth to Dorchester and the Thames and its tributaries throughout Oxfordshire, including Oxford, Abingdon and Wallingford.