WARMER weather has helped punters in Oxford make more of a splash on the River Cherwell. The Magdalen Bridge Boathouse opened for business about a month later than usual this year because of high water levels and bad weather.

The boathouse usually opens in February but the seemingly endless winter forced it back by several weeks to just before Easter.

Crew member Billy Barraclough said: “There hasn’t really been much business until the last week or so. Sunday was the best day of the year so far.”

A high water table and torrential rain has meant flooding has been a problem this year, together with fast-flowing water. Until last week customers were only allowed out on the water with a chauffeur.

But the recent upturn in weather suggests better times are ahead.

Mr Barraclough said: “We’re getting much more business now. The forecast looks good and it should be a really good week.”