PLANS for a £2.2m flood scheme in Northway and Marston have finally been submitted after first being drawn up five years ago.

The Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme, created by Oxford City Council following severe floods in 2005, 2007 and 2012, is intended to protect 100 properties in the area.

The scheme – which will be done in two phases – will install natural moats, small walls, channel widening and a wetland reserve to use the open green space in the area as defences against future flooding.

Floodwater will be contained in the adventure playground behind Borrowmead Road, in Peasmoor Brook behind Stockley Road and the community centre field next to Copse Lane in Northway.

Residents have always maintained their hope the scheme would put an end to their flooding turmoil but raised fears the plans may affect their parks and green spaces.

Louise Payne, 45, from Copse Lane in Northway, said: "We're all really pleased that the council have come up with these plans to stop the flooding because none of us want our houses flooded.

"But I’m very concerned about the fact that they’ve said they’re going to use our parks for eight months because the recreation ground by the Northway Community Centre is at the very centre of our community.

"It’s very important to us and not having it for around eight months is going to be a struggle."

The scheme has long been in the pipeline but £600,000 from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and more than £1.5m government funding now means work is set to start in September.

The determination deadline for the scheme in August 11 2016 and all residents are asked to register their comments by June 16.

Search 16/01320/CT3 on the Oxford City Council website for more information.