FLOOD-HIT residents in and around Oxford’s Abingdon Road braved deep water in a bid to return to normal.

The busy route into Oxford remained closed to traffic yesterday, with floodwater failing to drop more than a couple of inches.

But some people started the cleaning process in the hope that the worst of the problems were over.

Neighbours worked together to help vulnerable residents and a respite centre continued to operate in St Luke’s Church, off Abingdon Road in Canning Crescent.

The Rev Jane Sherwood said: “It’s been difficult, but everyone has shown such great community spirit. ”

Lorraine Charman, 57, of Canning Crescent, said: “I think the council and emergency services were excellent on Tuesday. I just hope we’ve seen the worst.”

Residents in nearby Western Road and Buckingham Road fought against rising groundwater as Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service tried to pump it away.

Liz Lyons, 31, of Buckingham Road, woke up to find water was filling her bedroom on the ground floor of her house.

She said: “They’ve had to pump all day and night just to keep the level the same. It looks like sewage could be coming into the back garden.”