A new raised walkway will allow previously stranded flood victims access to their West Oxford homes even if the rains return.

The walkway, costing £91,000, has been unveiled in Osney Court off Botley Road after flooding turned the housing complex into an island for more than a week in January.

Although the homes, set back from the road and raised, have always avoided flood damage, the last two winters have seen residents cut off from the outside world.

Joanne Way, an Osney Court resident, said: “It’s going to make a huge difference. When the floods came in January a lot of us were trapped in our homes.

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“Access in and out was the main problem — it was sewer water so we either had to evacuate our homes or stay inside.”

The 41-year-old mother-of-five said: “Not all of my children live with me and it made it very difficult for them to access the house and for me to see them.

“It’s going to be really good, we won’t have any of these problems with the new walkway.”

She said owners Home Group, which installed the new walkway, helped with residents’ essential shopping and topped up electricity meters during the floods.

Matthew Wondrak, Home Group maintenance surveyor, said: “When we built Osney Court the prospect of flooding was considered remote but as we’ve seen changing weather patterns we’ve realised freak weather is more likely.

“In the past during floods Home Group staff have done a great job helping customers who weren’t able to walk through the floodwater.

Oxford Mail:

Osney Court in January this year

“Now, even during the heaviest of floods, residents will be able to get to their homes without any problems.”

Oxford City Council approved the new walkway in August last year and work began in April.

Residents first experienced the problem during severe floods in July 2007.

Labour city councillor for Osney Susanna Pressel said: “I’m so glad this walkway has been finished at last.

“It’s a pity that it took them more than five years to agree to put it in, after the chaos of the floods in July 2007.

“It’s such a relief for the residents that it is now in place.

“The fire service will be delighted too, because from now on they won’t have to carry any more pregnant women and elderly people out of their homes through deep flood water.”


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