IT may not look like much but this little tool could save half of Oxford losing power.

As the Environment Agency makes the final plans for one of the most ambitious hydrological projects Oxford has ever seen, making sure that they do not sever any of the spaghetti of electrical cables, gas pipes and phone lines beneath the ground must be one of their top priorities.

Last week, engineers patrolled the 5km proposed route of the Oxford flood alleviation channel through North and South Hinksey with this 'cable avoidance tool', scanning the ground to make sure they weren't go to slice open any sewers.

They also dug trial pits along the route to explore the geology of the land and ground water conditions and used a 'geotechnical instrument' to test the strength of the soil, known as a Shear Vane test.

Funding manager Jon Mansbridge, who joined the expedition, said: "At this particular location we are digging a trial pit to explore the structure of the soil and the groundwater conditions.

"These investigations will help support our detailed design work as we progress our partnership scheme."

The 5km channel will run from near Seacourt Park & Ride on Botley Road, south through green fields, and join the Thames in Sandford just south of Oxford.

It has been designed to carry water away from the city centre during heavy rainfall.

The EA announced in February it had finally 'identified sources' to contribute all £120m needed for the scheme.

Pledges include £26m from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, £14m from the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and £2m from local councils.

The EA also says it is negotiating further funding from Oxford University and Thames Water.

The agency hopes to submit a planning application to Oxford City Council on November 3 and start groundworks in September 2018.

In the meantime the scheme planners will reveal their final detailed designs for the channel at a series of public events next month,

The dates again for the events are:

• Thursday, May 11, West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, 2pm - 8pm

• Friday, May 12, South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, 2pm - 8pm

• Monday, May 15, Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre, S Ebbes, 2pm - 8pm

• Thursday, May 18, St Luke’s Church, Canning Crescent, 2pm - 8pm