FIVE Oxfordshire flood warnings were lifted yesterday and barriers taken down as river levels stabilised.

Environment Agency staff removed the flood defences in West Street and East Street, Osney Island.

But the barriers in Vicarage Lane, South Oxford, are expected to stay until Monday. Agency spokesman Joe Giacomelli said: “The drier weather has given river levels in the Osney Island area the time to recover but we will be keeping a close eye on the water over the next few days.”

Warnings were removed for the River Thames in Abingdon, the River Thames and tributaries at New Botley, New and North Hinksey and Grandpont, River Thames and tributaries at Kennington and the River Thames and tributaries in Binsey, Osney and Osney Island, and the River Thames from Buscot Wick down to Shifford including Buscot, Kelmscott, Radcot, Lower Bampton area and Chimney area.