DOZENS of homeowners in Abingdon have welcomed work to demolish a bridge which it is hoped will cut the risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency has started a £50,000 project to take down St Helen’s Mill Bridge over the River Ock in the south of the town.

In July 2007, 661 homes in Abingdon were affected by flooding, which has brought increased calls for action to improve flood defences.

The aim of the project is to try to ensure the river does not burst its banks and swamp nearby homes.

Mike Bell, 58, of St Helen’s Mill, said: “Evidence demonstrates that the bridge prevents the Ock from flowing freely when flooded — if this work prevents water from backing up then the people above it will not have such a fear of flooding in future.”

The EA said the work would definitely cut the flood risk for about 30 homes, but it was hoped it would also help others in the area.

Mark Heelis, project manager at the agency, said: “The removal of St Helen’s Mill footbridge will remove a restriction in the River Ock which will result in an improvement in the channel flow and contribute towards a reduction in flooding.”

Town councillors Sam Bowring, who was flooded out of her home in Turberville Close in July 2007, and Peter Fulk have lobbied the agency for flood prevention work in the town.

Mrs Bowring said: “I am really pleased. Everybody has been waiting and waiting, so it’s really good news that this is actually happening.”

Mr Fulk said: “I have been campaigning as a local resident for quite a number of years.”

A survey was carried out by the agency last year to work out what action could be taken in the area to reduce 0flooding risk.

Demolishing the bridge was one of the targets.

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk