MORE than 700 homes in Oxfordshire are no longer at risk of flooding, according to the latest maps which show the threat across the county.

The new Environment Agency maps update ones compiled four years ago.

The agency estimates the number of households at risk of surface water flooding in the county is now 23,660 – compared to 24,400 in 2009. It will not give addresses of homes no longer at risk.

Peter Rawcliffe, of Oxfordshire Flood Alliance, whose South Hinksey home has been flooded, is pleased.

But he said: “It is hard to know if this is a real change or the fact that the models have improved but the more accurate the models, the more use they are.

“It will help people to sell or buy a house, and helps with insurability and hence mortageability, which can be a real pickle for some people.”

The Environment Agency said there have been a number of flood alleviation schemes in Oxfordshire since 2009, the largest of which at Banbury had cut the risk to 500 properties.

Earlier this month residents in South Oxford praised Thames Water for its flood prevention work.

About a year ago drains in South Oxford flooded prompting the water company to clear sediment from them.

Dr Paul Leinster, the chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “We have used cutting-edge technology to map areas at risk of surface water flooding in England. These maps are now among the most comprehensive in the world.

“With one in six homes in England at risk of flooding we urge people to check if they are at risk, and sign up to free flood warnings, by visiting the Environment Agency website.”

In November last year, downpours led to flooding across the county, with Abingdon Road in Oxford closed and sewage backing up into homes.

It was the worst flooding in the city since 2007 when families in West Oxford were forced to leave their homes.

Nationally, the number of properties at risk of flooding is now three million, which is down by 800,000 from the maps’ last update in 2009.

  • The new maps can be seen at http://watermaps. environment-agency.gov.uk