WITNEY was cut in two today as floods closed all but one crossing over the River Windrush.

The A40 was the only route which remained above water, after the river rose about 6ft.

Bridge Street, Mill Street and the Woolgate car park were all submerged and the town centre was closed for most of the day.

On Saturday evening, residents had to be evacuated from the Aquarius development in New Bridge Street after being flooded.

Firefighters were also in Bridge Street to monitor gas pipes.

Ross Workman, 25, from Burwell Meadow, said: "Flooding like this hasn't been seen before. Witney is effectively cut in two."

Tory leader and town MP David Cameron surveyed some of the damage kitted out in a suit and wellies.

He said: "People want answers. It is very grim, but one's impression here is that people are reacting in a great way. The emergency services here have done a magnificent job."

Mr Cameron said that serious questions needed to be asked about flood defences.

On seeing householder Nick Pike, 54, outside his six-bedroom home with its front door open and six inches of water rushing through, Mr Cameron said: "I'm so sorry."

And more than a dozen homes had water coming in in Eastfield Road - now almost an annual occurrence.

Resident Sue Wilson said: "This was one of the worst I've seen.

"We had to fight to keep it out, putting wooden boards by the door, but still some came into the kitchen.

"My neighbours either side had it going into their dining rooms, and others along the road were taking out furniture on Saturday morning." Mrs Wilson added: "I've lived here for 24 years and it seems like every year now we get flooding.

"Even though this time it was exceptional, it's about time they sorted out the problem.

"I couldn't even get sandbags from the council. They said it wasn't coming into my house and others had priority."

 Source: Witney Gazette