Oxford Flood Alliance held a flood awareness event on Osney Island on 16 November. Richard Thurston (who organised the event) and Simon Collings were on hand for two hours in the morning to talk to local residents about flood risk, protecting properties, and anything else flood related. We interacted with lots of neigbours, some well prepared for floods and some newcomers to the community considering options for protecting their homes.

Our aim was to encourage people with products like pumps, flood gates and airbrick covers to check they know where they are, how to install them and in the case of pumps, test they work. Several people told us they were doing this and we were able to test a pump for one resident.

This was the first time we have organised an event of this kind. The response was good and we plan to hold a similar event next year.