Victims of flooding in an Oxfordshire village are hoping action will be taken now that a survey has pinpointed the cause of the problem.

After heavy rain the brook running beside Main Street, Wendlebury, near Bicester, regularly overflows.

Last February the flooding was the worst for a long time. Water flowed into a row of cottages bordering the road and also hit the Red Lion opposite, forcing the pub to close for three days.

After the most recent flood, parish councillors pressed for a survey of the brook and the surrounding area.

Councillors feared that rainwater running off the M40 motorway and the A41 dual-carriageway might have increased the amount of water in the brook.

Parish council chairman Jane Burrett said: "Wendlebury is officially designated as a flood risk area. We have been worried at the increase of flood water getting into the brook."

A hydrology survey, costing about £5,000, was commissioned by Cherwell District Council and the Environment Agency from consultants Peter Brett Associates.

Cherwell District Council's chief engineer, Tony Brummell,said the consultants had found the flooding was not being caused by the water run-off from either the M40 or A41.

One of the problems, he said, was that there were several bridges and culverts upstream of the village that caused water to build up.

District councillor Andrew Fulljames said: "It was a complicated report and we are trying to find a sensible remedy to prevent flooding in Wendlebury. Although Wendlebury has had flooding through the ages, it appears to be getting worse."

Mrs Burrett said she understood that the flooding problem might be eased if the Environment Agency took over responsibility for the Wendlebury brook upstream of the village.

The agency would be able to ensure that landowners and farmers kept the brook clear of blockages.

The landlord of the Red Lion, Darren Greenfield, said: "We would welcome anything that would prevent serious flooding again. The last flood caused about £4,000 worth of damage."