Oxford flood forum takes place in Osney Mead

Lessons learned from the recent flooding have been discussed by 180 people in Oxford.

Emergency services, local councils and the Environment Agency held the meeting at Osney Mead, one of the areas most affected.

The meeting gathered suggestions for improving flood prevention and response.

Ideas will be presented at the larger Flood Summit, organised by the county council, on 21 March.

Conservative councillor Rodney Rose, who is responsible for flood risk management at the county council, said plans needed to be made while the flooding was still fresh in people's minds.

Councillor Rodney Rose said there was money available for flood issues this year

"It's always a priority for me, but I think it's very easy to slip back into summer and not do anything about it," he added.

"With a limitless pot we could do an awful lot more, but we have spent on a £17m scheme in Banbury.

"That protected at least 400 homes and there are lots of even smaller schemes across the county that we have done."

Mr Rose said the council had put £400,000 aside this year to help out with "either home protection, small flood schemes or any other good ideas" that come out of the meeting.

Oxfordshire's chief fire officer David Etheridge, who also attended the meeting, said the meeting also celebrated successes.

"We've now had less properties affected by flooding in the January/February floods that we had in 2007, but clearly here's still more that we can do.

"We [had] about 180 people which is a fantastic turnout. It goes to show just how important flooding is to people."