Banbury's MP has visited the town's flood alleviation scheme that prevents widespread local flooding.
Victoria Prentis was joined on her visit by the Environment Agency’s Thames Area director, Anna Burns.
Ms Prentis said: "Parts of Oxfordshire have been badly hit by flooding since the New Year.
"Although we have seen some damage in Banbury, it has not been to the same level that many of us will recall in 1998 when more than 350 people were forced to flee their homes after the River Cherwell burst its banks.
"After a similar flood in 2007, it was decided that a flood alleviation scheme in Banbury was needed."
The scheme comprises a 2.9-kilometre embankment with two flow control centres that kick-in when the River Cherwell's water level rises.
The storage basin can hold back 3 million cubic metres of water, the equivalent of 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Ms Prentis added: "Since its completion in 2012, the scheme has been tested a number of times.
"Given the levels of flooding we have seen elsewhere, we are very thankful to have such an effective scheme in place in Banbury.
"The embankment and flood plain also prove to be a popular walking destination for local residents, with a direct path connecting to the town and Banbury Country Park."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here