THE shocking photos of York under water have resonated across the country as the extent of the devastation the recent storms have brought were seen.

It would also have been an all too familiar sight to some residents in Oxford who experienced the dread of rising waters two winters ago.

There is much talk now about flood defences in the north, while here in the city the long-awaited flood relief channel is beginning to take shape, with a consultation about the route starting next month.

What is good is down south at least, the Environment Agency has realised the value of local knowledge and is looking to establish a trust to oversee the new £120m channel.

It is vital those who have lived in the Thames floodplain, especially those who have been flooded, are involved in the management of the channel as they will know better than anyone the river’s flow.

And landowners such as the university must cough up the cash for maintenance, or else all the hard work done so far will be wasted and the channel worthless.

Most importantly, Oxford residents need to give their views on the channel before it is too late.