FOR those parts of Oxfordshire which have been clobbered by the bad weather this week, it has been a pretty soggy Christmas.

Clearly the county has escaped the worst of it – as anyone watching the images on the television would have to admit.

But for some, this has been a Christmas to forget. Unfortunately for dozens of elderly residents living in Bicester, it may also be a New Year to forget – and several weeks after that, too.

The problems encountered there on Christmas Eve will take some time to resolve.

Credit must be given, however, to the work that has been done.

It is because of the efforts of firefighters on December 24 that residents were able to get out safely.

And officials and management have taken the necessary steps to ensure everyone was housed.

But questions must be asked about how the flooding had such an impact – especially given that residential areas in the county largely escaped serious flooding.

One councillor told the Mail that developments several years ago that had seen the river re-routed were to blame.

An inquiry into the matter is clearly needed, as a large town like Bicester needs to have robust plans in place to stop things like this happening.

For now, we should spare a thought for those stranded in emergency accommodation.

It seems they will have a rather unhappy New Year.