HOUSEBOATERS are concerned they could be made homeless for half a year if Oxford's controversial flood channel goes ahead.

Tim Wiseman, who lives on a boat at Weirs Orchard Moorings, said there would be devastating consequences if the channel where he, and 17 other families, lives was widened. He said there were some cheaper, and less devastating options that the Environment Agency could consider instead.

Mr Wiseman and his neighbours invited East Oxford MP Andrew Smith along to see the channel for himself on Saturday and hear more about the damage the plans could have on the homes.

Mr Wiseman, 36, who lives with girlfriend Charlotte, 35, said: "If they go ahead with this, widening the river, it will leave at least one family homeless and it could be more depending on how much land is removed.

"We would also have to relocated for six months. The Environment Agency has said there are no suitable moorings so it would have to be hotel or rented accommodation. Our oldest resident is 70, he can't live in a hotel for six months.

"If this was happening to a street of houses, where they would all be moved out for six months and one of the houses would be knocked down - this option wouldn't have even been put forward.

"But because we're boats, no-one seems to care about us."

The planned £120million four-mile channel between Seacourt Park and Ride and the River Thames at Sandford Lock will divert water to the west of the city to avoid severe flooding to Botley Road and Abingdon Road seen in 2007 and most recently in 2013/14.

Various flood prevention ideas have been put forward at locations across Oxford, including at Donnington Bridge near Weirs Orchard, in order to create the best scheme.

But residents at Weirs Orchard Moorings have urged the Environment Agency to consider all options before a decision is made on June 9.

Mr Wiseman said he thought there was an alternative, which was directing the channel through a nearby meadow and onto a flood plain, an idea which would affect residents a lot less and be a lot less costly.

Mr Smith, who went along to hear resident's concerns, said: "I'm backing these local river residents in their bid to make sure that flood prevention measures do not result in the loss of their homes and damage to a very beautiful place.

"I am asking the Environment Agency to pick an option which protects the moorings and is also better for the environment.

"It is crucial that Oxford gets the flood alleviation scheme, and fortunately this can be done in a way which safeguards the moorings and enhances the meadows."

In December 2014 David Cameron visit Osney Island as he announced £42m worth of Government funding towards the scheme.

The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Fund has contributed £26m, the Thames regional flood and coastal committee £14m and local councils have stumped up £2m - totalling £84m.