A BOAT was used to check on people living at the flooded Bablockhythe caravan site yesterday after properties were evacuated.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service used the boat to help people from the site, which lies next to the River Thames, near Farmoor reservoir.

Simon Belcher, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We evacuated 20 people from the site on Wednesday.

“We are now checking on the other residents and if they want to move out, we will assist them.

Rodney Rose, Oxfordshire County councillor deputy leader, said: “We can’t make residents leave, but we can make sure they have the option.

“The 20 who left on Wednesday were elderly people who were worried.

“But yesterday, no-one left their premises.”

Cllr Rose said it was likely the fire service would be at the site again today because of the high river levels.