MAJOR concerns over flooding in the county were raised in Parliament by an Oxford MP.

Layla Moran, Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, told the Government on Wednesday that 'we do not have time to waste' as she urged the floods minister to fund an alleviation scheme for Abingdon and build the permanent barrier in South Hinksey now despite delays to the wider Oxford project.

The MP also raised the case of South Hinksey locals whose garden backs onto the floodplain, asking why the permanent flood wall – part of the multi-million pound Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme – cannot be built now despite delays to the wider scheme.

The £150 million scheme will see create a channel running around the west of the city, to prevent flooding in low lying areas like Botley Road and Abingdon Road, which have seen bad flooding in the past.

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During the debate, the MP said that residents are 'frustrated and feel left behind' and that 'the real test of value for money is whether or not people’s lives and the economy in towns like Abingdon benefit'.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Moran said: "Yet again we heard from the Government what cannot be done, not what can be done.

"The Minister clearly was not listening to the points I raised.

"She said protecting Abingdon’s residents was not value for money and did not seem to grasp the issues raised regarding South Hinksey.

"What use is that to my constituents who live in fear of flooding and have been told their homes are not worth protecting with government funding?"

Ms Moran also called on the Minister to extend the Green Homes Grant launched less than a year ago to allow residents to carry out home improvements to protect against flooding.