A COWLEY estate which was devastated when a water main burst and flooded 24 homes is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Almost eight months after an estimated 1m litres of water wrecked the houses and flats in Normandy Crescent, everybody is back home - and they want to celebrate, along with residents from Corunna Crescent, Paget Road, Fanshawe Place and part of Horspath Road.

Gus Bianchini, chairman of the Horspath Area Residents' and Tenants' Association, said he hoped to get in touch with as many original members of the estate as possible. He said: "It was originally going to be a street party but having spoken to residents, what they want is a reunion party which is going to be held at a local hall probably in October or November.

"We are basically going to send out leaflets to everyone on the estate to try and find those that arrived here 50 years ago and see how many people want to come.

"We hope to have a picture gallery and things like that and people will be able to have a reminisce about old tales and general chit-chat."

He added: "The people who have been here for 50 years have seen the ups and downs on the estate. It is not specifically about the flooding but it will almost certainly be talked about."

He estimated around 50 of the original tenants still lived in the area and said: "Originally it was a really good community, everybody integrated together and worked together, but with the influx of new residents that has been fragmented a little bit."

Among those who have lived in Normandy Crescent since it was built are Rosemary and Joe Pearson, both 76.

Mrs Pearson said: "I think it is a wonderful idea.

"It is one way of getting all together. Years ago when we moved up here we all knew each other but it has changed now.

"With the flood we got to know each other a bit more and I made some new friends here, so I hope people will support it and come along.

"When I came here 50 years ago I thought it was the best estate in the whole of Oxford but now we have problems like all other estates. But we are a friendly lot."

Call Gus Bianchini on 01865 771584 for more details.