HOMEowners and businesses were yesterday clearing up the damage after downpours hit Oxfordshire.

In the 36 hours between 3am on Tuesday and 3pm on Wednesday, the county saw 45.6mm of rain fall – and about half as much again was expected last night and over the weekend.

Eight homes in Bloxham, near Banbury, and at least two homes in Leafield, West Oxfordshire, were flooded on Wednesday.

Bloxham Parish Council chairman Dave Chapman said: “The flooding was as bad as usual when the rain started coming down. It was very bad along some of the roads.

“The flood group was out trying to sort the problems out and many residents were helping too, with sandbags and everything.

“Even though the water had abated by the evening, the damage had already been done.

“We really have to say thank-you to the fire service and the emergency services. They did a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Paul Winters, owner of Kidlington Caravans, returned from lunch on Wednesday to find his Cassington workshop flooded.

He said: “The water was running into my workshop like a river. There was a foot of water right across the workshop. The Environment Agency said it was down to farmers not clearing ditches.”

He added: “I cannot work in here because of the damp.

“It has ruined today and possibly tomorrow. I am probably not going to be able to work until Monday now.”

The water spoiled caravan cushions, wood and carpets, but his tools were not hit. He had sawdust down and hot-air blowers running yesterday.

Meanwhile a boat overturned by Osney Lock in Oxford.

Environment Agency staff assessed the situation but left it for police because the boat was not blocking the waterway or raising the risk of flooding.

Police were last night trying to contact the owner, whose responsibility it will be to move the boat.