No-one could accuse the Environment Agency of not doing at least something to alleviate the threat of flooding in parts of Oxford.

But we get the feeling that we are really only tinkering with the problem.

The question is - will the £1.8m scheme outlined today be enough?

We will probably only know the answer when we have the next big flood.

Communities in the city, particularly those living in the Botley and Abingdon Road areas, have suffered from a series of catastrophes over the last decade, and plans to help them are long overdue.

The long-term aim, of course, must be to complete the £150m flood defence scheme for the city outlined by the Environment Agency last year.

But that is not likely to be built before 2015, if at all.

Meanwhile, we have to hope and pray that the interim measures will see us through until then.

Many victims are asking if we, as a nation, take flooding seriously.

Admittedly, it is not a great vote-winner, unless you happen to live near a river or the sea.

One problem is that no-one seems to be in overall charge.

In this area, responsibility is shared by the Environment Agency, Thames Water and local councils.

It is a recipe for passing the buck.

It is time the Government appointed a floods minister, and set up a proper body to take control of all aspects of flooding.