THOUSANDS of pounds will be spent clearing drains in the hope of preventing a repeat of last year’s flooding in Marston.

Rubbish, leaves and grime will be jetwashed from obstructed drains and ditches around playing fields in the parish at the cost of £2,000 to Oxford City Council.

Last year roads and cycle paths in the parish flooded after heavy rainfall across Oxford, with Boults Lane, Marston Ferry Road and Marston Meadow, off Ferry Road, the worst affected.

The city announced it would carry out the operations after the area’s councillor Mary Clarkson, said she wanted to take pro-active steps to avoid a repeat of last year.

She said: “Flooding can be an issue for Marston, fortunately houses have never been flooded but it’s important that we take steps now before the winter.

“People can contact me to get drains cleared out in good time.

“We have had floods at the bottom of Ferry Road and Boults Lane with flooded pavements and roads.

“The cycle path across Marston Meadow was flooded and out of bounds because it was exceptionally bad. We accept there will be some days when it will be out of bounds but if there is anything we can do prevent flooding then we will.”

It is hoped clearing away debris from drains and ditches will mean rainwater can flow off to the River Cherwell more easily.

The city council said the clearance operation would be carried out once this autumn, and Mrs Clarkson hoped work could begin in the next three weeks.

She said: “If we did not do this then it would mean there would be water going into people’s gardens and flooding pavements.

“For elderly people it’s not great and people do get anxious when the water starts going in their garden.

“Last year was so bad that I’m trying to be pro-active and making a list of places which are a bit more vulnerable and make sure they are cleared in good time.”

City council spokesman Chofamba Sithole said these would include drains and ditches around playing fields in Marston.

He said: “The drains will be scoured of accumulations of fallen branches, vegetable matter, fly tipping and any other matter which is deemed to be an obstruction to the water flow.”

He added landowners were responsible for clearing drains on their own property, while the city council was responsible for drains in its parkland.

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