The Government has been urged to improve flood defences and warning systems in Kidlington after the devastating Easter floods.

Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris called on Government minister Elliot Morley to announce better measures during a special Commons debate.

Mr Morley admitted no warnings were given in Kidlington, one of the places worst-hit by the floods, and lessons needed to be learned to prevent a repeat.

Mr Harris said he was alarmed that, although Kidlington was one of five areas specially looked at by the Environment Agency inquiry into the floods, all it had recommended was improving the flood warning system. Mr Harris said little was done to prevent flooding because it was not expected that the area would be affected.

Warning that global warming could make such floods more frequent, Mr Harris said: "Much work should be done to consider new areas for defence and to improve warning systems.

"There was no warning in Kidlington and that made the problems much worse."

Mr Morley said he appreciated the trauma of Kidlington residents but said that the Easter flooding was exceptional.

He added that steps would be taken to improve the flood warning systems throughout Britain, using new technology where appropriate.

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