WORK has begun on a £1m scheme which will help protect hundreds of Oxford homes from flooding.

The new flood drain being installed by Thames Water will carry surface water down to Hinksey Stream.

Long-suffering residents in Abingdon Road who have had properties damaged and cut off during heavy downpours are among those to benefit.

The new 90cm sewer will carry surface water several hundred feet from Kennington Road to Hinksey Stream.

A drainage pond will also be cleared to allow flood water to run into it and the walls reinforced with corrugated steel, called “sheet piling”.

For several years water has backed up when it reaches the bridge as it flows away from Oxford and causes flooding further upstream in the city.

Thames Water spokesman Craig Rance said: “Preliminary work to clear trees and make the area ready for construction is under way.

“We have arranged dates with residents and Network Rail to install the sheet piling in Hinksey Drain during May and we aim to have the flood protection completed by early October.”

Oxford Flood Alliance has campaigned for three years for the project to get started.

Spokesman Peter Rawcliffe said: “It is wonderful news for the residents who live near there.

“Some of them had given up their own land for it to take place, so for them to have their properties better protected is great news.

“It’s a victory for the Flood Alliance too and we are very grateful to Thames Water for listening to us.”

John Mastroddi, who lives in Kennington Road, Kennington, was one of a number of residents who gave up their land to Network Rail in order for work to be carried out on adjacent railway tracks.

He said: “They have started and it is really good news for everyone.

“We’re glad of all the help and support we get and hopefully this will stop flood water ruining homes and lives further down the line.”

The project hit a snag earlier this year when the Oxford Mail revealed Network Rail had failed to reach an agreement to take ownership of land along Hinksey Stream.

It eventually relented andan agreement was reached last month.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “Finally it has begun. It’s wonderful news for the residents, and shows the good work of flood campaigners who never gave up.”