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Witney couple safeguard their home against flooding

Les Rose shows where the water came to in June 2008

Les and Rosemary Rose's garden flooded from time to time over the years, but water had never entered their home.

Then last July, more than a foot of water gushed through their entire ground floor. Their lounge, kitchen and hallway had to be stripped bare, dried out, repaired and re-decorated.

The couple were devastated. But their experience made them determined to do their best to protect their home in Eastfield Road from further flooding.

They received a £250 government hardship grant, administered by West Oxfordshire District Council, and retired builder Les used this towards the cost of constructing a wall in their garden to act as a flood barrier.

The wall was put to the test in June when flooding occurred during a day of heavy rainfall - and worked. The Rose's garden was several inches under water, but the wall kept it away from their home.

Les, 71, has built the wall so that it redirects flood water through a passage at the side of their home and onto their front driveway. A homemade flood guard created from wood and plastic is fitted on the outside of a door in the passage to stop passing water from entering their kitchen.

The couple have also purchased their own stock of sandbags which they keep in a wooden store in their garden.

Les said: "We got the money from the Council and wanted to put it to good use. We were anxious when we saw the flood water coming into the garden in June, but the wall did the job it was meant to. The water drained away at the front of the house. After the water receded, all we needed to do was sweep the passage.

"What we've done is simple, but it's worked. When heavy rain is forecast now, we can be prepared."

Rosemary said: "It seems to have worked, so we're very pleased. The good thing is that the wall just looks like it's part of the garden. I actually prefer it now!"

To find out more about safeguarding your home against flooding, view our 'At risk of flooding' web page. For flood warnings direct you can register to The Environment Agency's  floodline service.  

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