Emma Formoy, project director for Oxford's £120m Flood Alleviation Scheme, explains the progress made on the 5km natural-looking stream that will form part of the project.

MEMORIES of Oxford’s roads underwater, the railway line closed, and water in homes and businesses seem in the distant past.

But working on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme I’m aware how vulnerable Oxford remains to flooding.

Peter Rawcliffe of the Oxford Flood Alliance – a community group who campaign to reduce Oxford’s flooding – has been involved from the start.

He says: “I know only too well how distressing and disruptive it is to be flooded – like many other Oxford people it’s happened to us several times now.

“The day when the scheme is complete and protecting Oxford can’t come quickly enough for us. And we’re pleased that the scheme is designed to do the best for our local environment for wildlife and people too.”

The scheme will reduce flood risk to homes and businesses across Oxford and protect vital infrastructure, avoiding disruption during flooding.

Working with local partners we have designed a 5km natural looking stream through the floodplain to the west of Oxford.

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Could you save money by simply dredging?

Dredging on its own would never be the answer. Even if we dredge all the watercourses it would not provide the extra capacity needed in a major flood. We need to be very careful about where we dredge. Done in the wrong place it can be environmentally disruptive, and increase flooding downstream.

Rivers usually deposit more silt after dredging, and it needs constant repeating. It would simply not be efficient, cost effective or sustainable.

Will there be huge new bridges?

All existing paths will remain in place and where necessary we’ll build bridges. We’ve made sure these are no larger than they need to be. These will include a footbridge at North Hinksey and two larger bridges that can carry occasional maintenance vehicles at Willow Walk and the Devil’s Backbone.

Willow Walk is an important historic route and well-used by pedestrians and cyclists. The new bridge will replace the existing culverts and their metal railings and the design finish is based on feedback from our public consultation. The old stone bridge further down Willow Walk will still remain.

Will the scheme damage the environment?

We have designed the scheme to maximise environmental benefits and minimise environmental impacts. Where we cannot avoid impacts we’ll translocate species or create new habitat. Hinksey Meadows are a valuable wildflower-rich habitat and we’ve listened to Oxford Preservation Trust, adapting the route of the channel here. Around two hectares of existing floodplain meadow will need to be removed, but we’ll create nearly 18 hectares of new floodplain meadow as well as 15 hectares of new wetland. We need to remove trees for the scheme but will plant around 10 hectares of native woodland with wildflowers to boost wildlife.

Will the scheme be maintained in the long term?

We are already working on long-term plans for the next 100 years. We have a team who are out and about maintaining the watercourses around Oxford and they will continue their role by helping maintain the new scheme well into the future.

Keep up-to-date about the scheme at www.facebook.com/oxfordscheme or see twitter.com/OxfordFAS