TWO west Oxford streets will be partially closed for the next 10 weeks while the Environment Agency carries out flood management work on Osney Lock.

The agency is replacing the old weir gate which stands on the Osney Stream at its junction with the River Thames with a motorised one.

It is hoped the new motorised weir will allow the agency greater control to try to stop flooding in the area, which was badly affected in July 2007.

While the work is being carried out, the corner of North Street and East Street will be closed to create a compound and house a small crane. The agency has reassured residents access to all properties will still be available.

Drivers wanting to enter East Street will have to do so via South Street but pedestrian access will not be affected by the works.

Environment Agency operations team leader Al Wells said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause but trust local people will bear with us during this important set of improvements.

“The replacement of the Osney weir gate, which is a vertical lifting gate, is part of a programme to increase the efficiency with which we can manage the flow of the River Thames.

“People living on Osney Island will appreciate the speed and frequency with which we have to react to changes in river levels. Osney Weir is one of a number that are not motorised, and this work will motorise the weir.”