Warning to avoid Oxford towpaths as rivers levels remain high

Oxford's towpaths are closed and footpaths by the water remain flooded and dangerous, the city council says

People are being warned not to risk walking along paths by the water as river levels continue to remain high across Oxfordshire.

Oxford City Council said towpaths in Oxford were closed and footpaths by the water were "flooded and dangerous, with serious risk to life".

Several flood warnings remain in place across Oxfordshire.

Some roads remain shut and "will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so", the county council said.

Fire crews pumped water away from Abingdon Road in Oxford following flooding

The authority added: "Where roads remain closed, you are strongly advised to follow route diversions in place and not to drive through floodwater."

The city's Seacourt Park & Ride on Botley Road has now partially reopened as floodwater has receded.

The city council said its officers were out and about across Oxford "to closely monitor the situation and are prepared to move quickly to take further action if needed".

It added: "Flood warnings at Oxford have now been removed. River levels are high but slowly falling on the River Thames at Oxford following recent rainfall".

Drivers are being urged to follow route diversions and not to drive through floodwater

Oxford Direct Services (ODS) is distributing sandbags to households at imminent risk of flooding.

A self-fill sandbag station for residents who need sandbags has been set up at Redbridge Park & Ride lorry park.

Abingdon Road in Oxford fully reopened on Wednesday following the recent flooding and The High Street bus gate is now back in operation.

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