PHOTOGRAPHS of roads submerged in water and houses ruined evoke strong memories for the residents of Oxford.

It was only in February this year that the latest floods hit, causing damage and disruption.

It is why there is such a clamour to take action to try to minimise the impact should it happen again in the near future.

And given the past events, it is no wonder that a grand scheme such as the Western Conveyance flood relief channel has captured people’s imagination.

But the Sustainable Flood Plan Group is right in slowing the tide rushing towards this scheme.

Other options need to be considered and a full study carried out to see what is the best use of taxpayers’ money.

If flood alleviation can be achieved without the huge cost and logistical planning that a flood channel would cause, then that has to be explored.

Likewise, should it transpire dredging will not be enough to stop flooding then it will abate calls for the Environment Agency to increase its river clearing.

Ultimately, whether it is large-scale schemes or a number of smaller projects, the end result must be preventing the heartache felt by residents whose lives are ruined when water crosses their threshold.

Oxford is still recovering from earlier floods and the authorities need to do all they can.

Exploring all options is key to this, but so is taking swift and decisive action.