HORSES could be 'panicked and spooked' by the proposed £120m flood relief channel through Oxford, it is feared.

The British Horse Society has called for the four-mile channel, which runs through the city's green spaces, to enhance equestrian routes and warned its construction could scare the animals.

The Environment Agency (EA) has sought advice from a number of organisations before formally submitting plans, which it is expected to do at the beginning of next year.

Troth Wells, chairwoman of the Oxfordshire branch of the British Horse Society, said the construction in spaces regularly used by horses could scare the 'sensitive' creatures and called for the work to improve routes taken by horses.

She said: "I am concerned how this development will affect the equestrian users, many of whom rely on these areas as some of the few open, green, safe off-road amenities left to horseriders in Oxford.

"Increasing traffic and the use of small roads, such as through North Hinksey, by lorries has made riding more hazardous.

"Therefore it is imperative to retain and wherever possible enhance equestrian routes. A key concern is Willow Walk, a major bridleway in the area."

Culverts will need to be installed for the channel to travel under Willow Walk – between West Oxford and North Hinksey – and concerns have been raised over what will happen to the bridleway .

The channel will run from Seacourt Park and Ride to Sandford Lock with the aim of taking water away from areas badly affected by floods in previous years, such as Botley Road and Abingdon Road.

Routes for pedestrians and cyclists have been incorporated into the paths that would run alongside the channel, and the British Horse Society has called for horses not to be 'neglected'.

Ms Wells also warned construction staff to be aware of the animals and mitigate against noise and large vehicles.

She said: "It is very important construction staff realise the nature of horses as flight animals, and that these sensitive creatures can easily be panicked by loud and unexpected noises, dirt, and large, unusual vehicles.

"Whatever mitigation can be provided for rides, and for grazing horses, should be looked at.

"In addition, none of the rights of way should be blocked at any time. It is much harder for horses to go round piles of rubble of heavy vehicles than for pedestrians or cyclists, since horses may spook at unknown hazards."

Oxford Preservation Trust, which owns more than 25 per cent of the land set aside for the channel, said there were a number of 'unanswered questions' in the plans.

It has raised concerns over the size of 'large man-made' bridges in Green Belt land and also called for better public access to the open spaces alongside the channel.

The EA will take the views of the British Horse Society – and others – into account before submitting its plans.

Construction could begin in 2018 and it is expected to take three years.