CAMPAIGNERS aiming to cut the risk of flooding at a spot which claimed the life of a teenager have reacted angrily after being told the work would not meet Government criteria for funding.

Residents living close to the area in Witney, where Max Weeden, 17, of Judds Close, drowned in June 2008 after getting stuck in a culvert on a day when one month’s rain fell, fear another tragedy could happen if no work is done.

The Environment Agency (EA) commissioned a feasibility study looking at options to prevent flooding, and decided the best solution was to build large, upstream water storage areas.

But it says the £3.7m scheme would not fall within Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidlines.

Malcolm Willis, chairman of the Witney Flood Action Group, said: “We are all disappointed. This scheme could have taken away the possibility of another tragedy happening, because it would have taken away the water.

“It’s still feasible somebody may die again, it may not happen, but the chance is still there.”

Mr Willis, 54, was forced out of his house in Crawley Road, for seven months when it flooded.

His group is now working with the EA to put in place a flood warning system.

Richard Langridge, West Oxfordshire district councillor for Witney North, said: “We are extremely disappointed and very frustrated as we have a scheme that will work.

“Clearly, there is no alternative to this scheme.

“If it does not happen then it is unavoidable there will be future flooding, with all the dangers that may come with it.

“It’s unacceptable Hailey Road becomes a raging torrent three times a year.

“Clearly the tragic death of Max is not fully appreciated.

“I don’t think it has had enough of an impact on whether this goes ahead.”

Georgina Dominy, 64, of Thorney Leys, said: “The people who are flooded regularly must be devastated by this news.

“Something must happen.”

The Environment Agency blamed the high cost of the scheme on 100 years of maintenance included in the price.

Area flood risk manager Barry Russell said: “Although the main scheme cannot currently be progressed, we have given a commitment to provide some funding along with Oxfordshire County Council for local flood risk measures.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk