Families at a flooded Oxfordshire caravan park were told to evacuate today or face being cut off for two days.

Emergency planning officials told 100 people living at the caravan park in Bablock Hythe, West Oxfordshire, that they could help them leave today but if they stayed they were likely to be stuck there until Monday.

It is believed at least nine people chose to leave.

It came as Oxford City Council said sandbag protection at Bullstake Close was continuing to provide protection while the situation at Wolvercote had not worsened today.

City council staff have inspected towpaths and renewed warnings for people to stay away for their own safety.

Cath James, environment director at West Oxfordshire District Council, said the caravan park at Bablock Hythe was under water but no homes had been flooded.

The problem was access, she said, with the road in under water and the park effectively surrounded by a moat.

She said: "The road is only passable by four wheel drive vehicle.

"We told people that if they needed to get out for work first thing on Monday or to take their children to school this was their opportunity to get out now and we would help them.

"Unless they have access to a four wheel drive they will be there for a couple of days.

"There are a few vulnerable people there and if their families wanted to get them tomorrow then it would be impossible.

"Some of the residents were quite happy to stay."

During the summer's floods people at the caravan park had to be rescued by boat and so today was a pre-emptive move, Miss James said.

She added: "We hope very much that people will not be out of their homes for too long, but the flood waters have not yet stabilised in this area and we are concerned for people's safety."

There were about 50 homes on the site, Miss James said.

In the city, the council has replenished sandbags at PC World in Botley Road, the Duke of Monmouth pub in Abingdon Road and also the Redbridge park and ride in Abingdon Road.

A water pump is on standby to respond to emergencies, spokesman Louisa Dean said.

5:08pm Saturday 19th January 2008

Print

Email this