News that work will soon start on work to clear out streams around Oxford to prevent flooding is a welcome first step.
It is, in truth, the sort of work that should have been routinely carried out over the years.
Authorities like the Environment Agency are playing catch-up after last year's floods revealed huge weaknesses in drainage, ditch, stream and river systems across the county.
Changes to the management of rivers and streams plus years of relative drought lulled us all into a false sense of security.
The £1.8m project to clear out streams around Oxford and to install new culverts is very welcome.
What we also need is a commitment to continuing maintenance of streams, ditches, culverts and drains each and every year across the county.
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