A year on from the serious flooding which affected many parts of Oxfordshire, it is sobering to remember that hundreds of families are still shut out of their badly-damaged homes.

Many have been happy with the response of their insurance companies - but others have not been so lucky.

This week it is being claimed that a new deal between the Government and insurance companies will not help many flood victims in Oxfordshire.

Floods Minister Phil Woolas said that an agreement reached with the Association of British Insurers would ensure that householders are able to obtain protection against flooding.

But Dr Peter Rawcliffe, of the Oxford Flood Alliance, said the agreement was "not good enough" and would not protect hundreds of householders across the county, with insurers still able to "cherry pick" the properties they will provide cover for.

Under the agreement, insurers will guarantee to provide protection to any property where the flood risk is no worse than once in 75 years. They will also offer flood cover to existing domestic and small business customers at more frequent risk - provided there are plans to reduce risk to an acceptable level within five years.

And it is these plans which are the vital ingredient in tackling not only insurance problems, but the real fear that remains with many people every time the storm clouds gather. People in some parts of the county - Osney Island in Oxford for example - are upbeat about the measures that have been taken as the flooding anniversary approaches. Many people in other parts of the county are much less content.

While the Environment Agency says that over the last year £2m has been spent on river maintenance and debris clearance, we know that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what really needs to be spent to defend ourselves if the worst happens again.