With reference to the flood in Harold White Close, Risinghurst, Oxford (Oxford Mail, April 18), if it had not been for my dogs barking, I would not have been woken from an afternoon nap.

When I looked out of the window to see what was upsetting them, the close looked like a river.

I phoned the emergency services and went outside to see if there was anything I could do.

My husband John had just returned from work. He was unable to park the car in our drive due to the depth of the water.

He tried to move the flood barrier into position, but found it padlocked.

He phoned Barton Control Centre which told him that the key could not be found.

He helped Oxfordshire Fire Service move the barrier after the chain had been cut off.

The effect of the barrier being put in place caused the floodwater to flow further backwards into Harold White Close, giving the residents the worry of being flooded again.

I know the residents of Knights House have had the upheaval again, and it is heartwarming to know that they have been settled elsewhere and are being looked after.

But please have a thought for the residents of Harold White Close who are left here having to contend with lorries, skips and vehicles in and out all day and the noise and disruption.

Some residents also had to contend with water in their properties. We are left here until everything has been put back to normal. YVONNE LOWE, Harold White Close, Risinghurst, Oxford