A WILLOW tree that has been contributing to flooding on Botley Road has been chopped down.

The tree was growing in Bulstake Stream, which flows under Botley Road next to the former MFI building.

Because it grew in the centre of the river bed, the tree’s vast network of roots meant any debris in the water got blocked and caused the river level to rise.

Yesterday the Environment Agency (EA) chopped down the tree, which had grown so large it was overhanging Botley Road itself.

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Operations manager Barry Russell said: “Having the tree out will reduce the risk of any blockages which cause additional flooding.

“It means debris can flow with the water instead of getting blocked under the bridge.”

He said it took months to coordinate the removal: “We’ve had it on our project list this year, but it was always going to be more difficult to remove that particular tree because it’s so big and it’s bang in the middle of the archway.”

Tom Ballance has campaigned for seven years to get Oxford’s waterways cleared.

The 57-year-old boatyard manager said: “It’s a major problem. This was an absolute no-brainer that should have been done.

“This is just a small part of many little pieces which should be done.”

Botley Road was one of the worst-affected areas in the city during January’s flooding.

Osney city councillor Susanna Pressel said: “I’m really pleased.’’

RIVER ALERTS

Flood alerts, meaning low-lying fields and roads could be flooded, were in place yesterday along the River Evenlode to Cassington, and the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock.

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