TREES being cut down, horse grazing fields being lost and landfill waste being dug up were some of the concerns raised at the public presentation of Oxford's Flood Alleviation Scheme today.

But there was also praise from some of the hundreds of people who dropped by Oxford Town Hall as The Environment Agency revealed its final route plan for the 5km channel.

North Hinksey residents Chris Sugden and Ag Mackeith were worried that a row of trees which shield village homes from warehouses and big shops on Botley Road would be chopped down.

Mrs Mackeith said: "It's not just protecting our view – trees are vital for wildlife and they help prevent flooding.

"I think they should have a policy to plant a tree for every tree they take down."

Mr Sugden was also concerned that a nearby field used to graze horses by Manor Stables is currently marked out to be dug up.

He said: "They should move it a number of metres towards Oxford to the ground that is not grazed on."

Oxford Mail:

Kennington residents Roger Gelder and Robin Mason were worried that part of the Kendall Copse nature reserve in their village would be dug up.

Mr Gelder warned that because the land was used as a landfill site in the 1960s, waste could be dug up.

They called on the EA to reinstate any trees and plants it dug up.

Environment Agency flood risk manager Dave Bedlington stressed that the scheme being presented was only an outline.

He said: "It's really important that we have ongoing conversations with landowners and tenants."

The EA will hold another consultation on a more detailed design in the Spring.

The Weirs Orchard Moorings Residents' Association, meanwhile, who feared their bit of riverbank could be dug up as part of the scheme, were today given a reprieve.

Spokesman Tim Wiseman said: "This is fantastic news for residents, lifting a huge worry from us all. We're grateful to the EA for keeping us informed."

The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), who are partners in the scheme, pooh-poohed a claim by Oxford City Council leader Bob Price this week that Britain's leaving the EU could hit city businesses who, it was hoped, could help fund the scheme.

CEO Nigel Tipple said: "We need to keep talking to businesses to understand what the pressures are so we can support investment."