A £120M proposed flood relief channel running through Kennington has been welcomed after it was revealed university chiefs will help out.

Oxford University chiefs say they are considering offering some of land at Egrove Park for the scheme.

The four-mile channel would run from Seacourt Park & Ride down to the Thames at Sandford Lock.

County councillor for Kennington Bob Johnston says residents are likely to accept the inconvenience of building work for the long-term protection of their homes.

“Kennington has suffered quite badly in several recent episodes of flooding and it will be very much welcome,” said Mr Johnston.


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“It won’t be particularly sightly while it’s being constructed but I think most residents would put up with it to see their houses protected for years to come.

“The people of South Hinksey, who have campaigned for this for years, would also definitely welcome it with open arms.”

Oxford Flood Alliance member John Mastroddi and his Kennington neighbours have regularly had their properties flooded.

He said: “Since 2000 we have had about five floods here. An average of one every three years is really not acceptable.

“My house doesn’t flood as it’s raised by two feet, but my garden does. All my neighbours get flooding in their houses.

“Not everyone in the village is affected but Kennington Road closes, which causes big problems.”

The 65-year-old said the discussions were encouraging.

“It’s interesting to hear the university may give up some of its land. It would certainly help Kennington when it comes to flooding.”

He added: “It’s just another piece of the jigsaw in the scheme. We need everyone to contribute and it all looks like it’s fitting together.”

The university ruled out a financial contribution, but said it was in discussions to offer use of its land.

Oxford University spokesman Matt Pickle said: “We cannot make a financial commitment to the project because we must prioritise our core academic mission of teaching and research.

“Only our land at Egrove Park would be affected by the proposed channel.

“But we are in discussion with the county, city and Local Enterprise Partnership about a proposal to offer the use of our land for the proposed work.”

In December Prime Minister David Cameron visited Oxford to announce £42m investment in the scheme.

So far £84m has been secured for the channel. The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has contributed £26m, £14m has come from the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and £2m from local councils on top of the Government millions.

Work on the channel could start in 2018 and be completed by 2022.