Reinstatement and rebuilding work is getting under way in the flood-stricken areas of Oxford.

But I would urge my fellow residents to exercise a degree of caution. Modern methods and materials might not be appropriate in houses which could be flooded in future. It needs only a fraction of an inch of water to destroy a chipboard/laminate floor or fitted carpet.

Just a few inches more and gypsum-based plaster is rendered useless. A few more inches writes off a kitchen constructed from chipboard cabinets.

Alternatives can be found, but it takes time and effort. I have contacted a manufacturer of kitchen doors and worktops made from recycled plastic, and he will consider making the carcasses from the same material.

One of the stumbling blocks is that water-resistant measures and materials are often more expensive than conventional alternatives and insurers still only cover like-for-like. This seems short-sighted and will inevitably lead to further claims and higher premiums. A flood-resilient approach would lessen both.

The Flood Protection Products Fair at the Kings Centre at Osney Mead, Oxford, tomorrow from 3-8pm will, no doubt, be a useful source of information, but these products offer no protection against ground water flooding.

At a recent meeting of the Oxford Flood Group, we were told that there were a number of challenges in finding a solution to the flooding problem in West Oxford. One appears to be the 'Redbridge Gap', a 400 metre-wide channel through which all the water travelling south must pass. It is this bottleneck which holds back the water, causing levels to rise.

At an earlier meeting, we were told that another problem facing flood defence agencies was endangering rare plants in Port Meadow.

The issues are clearly complex, which is why we have pressed for someone to be nominated as a coordinator or 'flood supremo'.

Residents' involvement is paramount in finding solutions to these issues and a dedicated 'flood supremo' should be appointed with authority to influence decisions made by insurers, councils and all the other agencies involved so that we can all get on with our lives.

NICK HILLS Earl Street Oxford