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Alison Cobb

Flood victims have reacted angrily after being told that protecting their homes from rising water is "ultimately" down to them.

Insurance firm Norwich Union claims 95 per cent of people hit by floods last summer have not taken measures since then to protect their own homes.

And residents' groups in Oxfordshire suggested the figure could be even higher, as homeowners are put off by the high cost of flood defences.

They said it could cost up to £3,000 for door and window seals, and up to £1,000 for pumps for a house.

Colin Howes, of Bullstake Close, off Botley Road, Oxford, whose house was inundated last year, said: "It's a waste of money and a lot to spend for nothing. There's only so much you can do as an individual."

Norwich Union said its premiums would reflect protective measures taken by customers in flood-prone areas.

And the Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council also urged people to protect their homes.

John Kelly, the council's emergency planning officer, said: "Ultimately, it comes back to the individuals.

"In my view, the pressure should be on the commercial companies, the insurers, to co-ordinate residents and provide incentives for them to improve their homes."

But Mr Howes said councils and the Environment Agency were not doing enough to help.

Residents in West Oxford are still feeling the effects of the floods last July.

Fewer than half the houses in Earl Street are habitable yet, with the rest still under repair.

Andy Webber, who lives in the road, said: "People just can't afford it. The onus is being placed on individuals to protect themselves and you don't get any help. It's disgusting what's going on here."

Richard Thurston, of the Oxford Flood Alliance, set up by residents of areas at risk of flooding, warned only joint measures would solve the problem.

He said: "People will go ahead and take action, but you have to think about everyone. We have got to work collectively to solve this."

Flood victims say that installing a pump, while neighbouring homes did not, would merely mean some were worse affected than others.

But an Environment Agency spokesman said: "There is always something people can do to protect their properties.

"Even if they take action as simple as keeping important documents in a waterproof folder, these actions can save money.

"Every one of us has a responsibility to be prepared for flooding."

A spokesman for Norwich Union said: "If people put flood defences in place, then it will be taken into account in their premiums.

"We would always recommend using kitemarked products."

Alison Cobb believes measures to protect her home in Binsey Lane, Oxford, would be futile, because it is on the River Thames flood plain.

She said: "You can have pump systems and you can have barriers, but we can't avoid it in this area. We're surrounded by water. It just wells up.

"There isn't very much which can be done to stop the flow. You have to distinguish between those who live on a flood plain and those who are flooded by surface water.

"We pay our taxes, so the council or the Government should be supplying flood defences."

Alan Barringer, 38, of Abingdon Road, Didcot, decided to build his own brick flood barrier to protect his and his neighbours' homes after last July's flooding. He said: "We dealt with the problem ourselves, because no-one else seemed to want to.

"I don't see it being a long-term solution. It's like a dam on the field drain and it only allows a certain amount of water through to the other side."

6:35am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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