NOW is the time for the public to shape the future of flood defences in the county.

Thousands have been affected by flooding across Oxfordshire. But the county council has opened the metaphorical floodgates for comments and suggestions.

With its new powers, it wants to form a long-term strategy on flooding, which can only be good news for residents.

But it is vital people get involved and come forward to scrutinise the draft strategy.

Without their input, the worry is it will be full of council-ese, catering to politicians and corporations while ignoring those that bear the brunt when the heavens do open.