Oxford Flood Advice

Last updated at 05:30 30/11/2012

Officers from Oxford City Council have been working hard to support residents who are at risk from flooding.


Flood warnings
A flood warning is in place for the Thames and its tributaries in Oxford. A flood warning means that flooding is expected and immediate action is required.


Road closures
Abingdon Road, Ferry Hinksey Road (access only to Electric Avenue and West Oxford Community Primary School), Godstow Road and Binsey Lane are still closed due to flood water. The Seacourt Park and Ride is partially re-opened with limited spaces and no payment needed.


Abingdon Road is closed for its entire length from Folly Bridge at the city end up to the Kennington Roundabout due to flooding at the Weir's Lane junction. Weirs Lane is also closed. Traffic will be diverted but drivers are advised to avoid the area if at all possible. Access will be maintained for residents via Folly Bridge where possible.


Botley Road is still open but flooded so drivers are advised to drive slowly.
Bus gate cameras on the High Street in central Oxford have been suspended while Abingdon Road is closed.

Castle Street, George Street and Magdalen Street East and West bus gate cameras are still in operation.
Redbridge recycling centre is open but access is restricted due to Abingdon Road being closed.


Advice for householders at risk of flooding
All property owners, particularly those who have property in the floodplain and close to watercourses, are urged to take action to protect property from flooding. More information is available on the Oxfordshire County Council website. Sand and bags are available for residents from PC World on Botley Road and Redbridge Park and Ride (access from the ring road through the car park to the exit). Sandbags are also available to residents from our Cowley Marsh depot (six per household). It is still possible that some householders will be advised to leave their homes in the next 24 hours. If this happens, you will be advised to leave your home by members of the emergency services or council staff who will visit homes door to door and will direct to the nearest emergency rest centre.

There is no need to leave your home unless you are specifically advised to do so. However people should continue to be vigilant and consider their own safety.

Older and disabled people
If you are an older or disabled person who is worried about coping if your home floods, please call 08081 685 082. You can also use this number to report concerns about an older or disabled neighbour, or if you are a care service provider reporting a problem related to flooding.

Prevention work
Flood barriers are in place at Bullstake Close, Lake Street and Osney Island.
Officers from Direct Services deployed the six inch pump overnight at Bullstake Close to pump water away from properties. A team of officers are continuing to work hard at Bullstake with numerous pumps on site to ensure that properties aren't flooded and that water is kept away from Botley Road.

Sand and bags are available for residents from PC World on Botley Road  and Redbridge Park and Ride (access from the ring road through the car park to the exit. Sandbags are also available to residents from our Cowley Marsh depot (six per household).  


Schools
Should at any stage any school decide that a school closure is required, that school would update the local media and the county council would update its website. Parents should check local radio stations for information.


Dangers of flood water
Please drive carefully - two feet of water will float your car. Obey closure signs and drive very slowly through standing water. Flood water can be very dangerous. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and flooding can cause manhole covers to come off, leaving hidden dangers. Don’t walk through flood water and don't let children play in flood water.