FAMILIES and pensioners are appealing for improved sewage works in Marston after raw waste flooded the gardens of residents last year.

Independent city councillor for Marston Mick Haines has been campaigning on behalf of residents who narrowly escaped their homes being flooded with raw sewage last year, after two pumps in Marston struggled to cope with high rainfall.

After sewage seeped into gardens in the Old Marston Road four times in early 2014, Mr Haines was worried that the proposed 885-home Barton Park development could significantly effect the sewerage system in Marston as it is “downstream” from Barton.

Development consortium Barton Park LLP has reassured Mr Haines that the large sewer main that is planned for the Barton Park development will not make the problem in Barton any worse.

But Mr Haines wants Thames Water, the provider in charge of sewage in Oxford, to provide better facilities for the people of Marston and ensure that last years’ raw sewage overspill does not happen again.

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He added: “What we want is some bigger drains and for Thames Water to check up on the pump stations more often.

“It feels like Marston is being neglected and forgotten, without a doubt.”

Concerned Old Marston Road resident 85-year-old Fred Turner recalls suffering severe flooding last year.

He said: “I’m getting old now and it’s hard to cope when you have this sort of flooding, it was very distressing.’’ Pastor of Marston Baptist Church Dr David Earl, also on Old Marston Road, also had his house flooded.

The 48-year-old father-of-six said: “Our garden flooded two or three times earlier last year. It was very unpleasant.’’ Thames Water spokeswoman Becky Trotman explained a study of Oxford’s sewer system was being carried out.

She said: “This is a complex job which has already involved months of data gathering and will help us pinpoint exactly where investment is needed.”