WEST Oxfordshire District Council tonight warned that the Standlake and Northmoor areas were at risk of flooding this evening.

A spokesman said householders should sandbag their properties and prepare to evacuate if necessary. The following pick-up points for sandbags were set up this evening:

The Green in Stanton Harcourt, opposite the shop
Downs Road, just past Hardwick Caravan Park
The Village Hall at Standlake (from about 9.15 pm).

In Witney, Bridge Street and Mill Street are closed to traffic as both streets are flooded and impassable.

The spokesman said: "Several residents are being evacuated. We are advising people not to walk over Langel Common as the river is overflowing and fast-moving.

"The following pick-up point for sandbags has been set up:

Cogges Centre shops (from about 9.45 pm).

"Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services has pumped water from over 300 homes in Bampton.

"Part of the bridge in Clanfield has collapsed and the main street and other areas are still under water affecting many properties.

"Other villages in the area have been affected including Black Bourton, Alvescot, Kelmscot, Broadwell, Little Faringdon.

"A small number of properties in Curbridge have been affected.

"The River Evenlode has burst its banks and a number of properties have been affected in the Charlbury area and vehicles stranded.

" A number of properties have been affected in the Shipton-under-Wychwood area and vehicles have been stranded. Last night, 50 residents of the Old Prebendal Care Home were moved to the first floor and today were evacuated.

"Anyone who needs emergency temporary accommodation due to flooding should make their way to West Oxfordshire District Council's Elmfield offices in New Yatt Road, in Witney, or West Witney Sports Club, in Burford Road, in Witney or Stanton Harcourt Village Hall. Alternatively they can call 01993 705056 for advice.

"Any requests for sandbags over the weekend should be made to our emergency out-of-hours number - 01993 705056."

Source: Witney Gazette