ABINGDON MP Layla Moran has condemned ' broken promises’ to residents after a multi-million pound flood scheme was abandoned.

The Environment Agency had been working with Vale of White Horse District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) on the plans, which centred around building a flood storage area at Abingdon Common.

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Measuring 1.5km long and up to 2.6m high, the structure was set to divert flood waters away from at risk areas.

It was initially estimated to cost £5m, the total set to be split between Vale and government agency Thames RFCC but following more detailed work it was revealed that the scheme would now cost £9.7m. The partnership announced it would be shelving the project due to the 'unrealistic' prospect of securing the additional cash in the 'short term'.

Ms Moran said: “Many remember how the 2007 flood devastated local homes and businesses in Abingdon. Local councils and the Government promised they would act. Those promises have been broken.

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"The decision to shelf this scheme has come with absolutely no consultation and will come as a shock to those who have campaigned so hard.”

She added: “I am not only incredibly frustrated but also desperately upset that these important proposals have been axed. We must demand better for the people of Abingdon."

The Lib Dem MP said she would be 'putting the pressure' on those behind the scheme to find out why the costs had spiralled and called on them to reinstate the scheme 'as matter of urgency.'