The two communities were amongst those which saw their homes deluged during heavy rain on June 3. Now the Monson report, issued by South Oxfordshire District Council, has concluded it could happen again unless locals pull together.

Nearly 50mm of rain fell across the district between 6pm on June 2 and the same time on June 3 - 91 per cent of average the rainfall for the month. As a result flash flooding forced people out of eight homes in Thame when water overflowed out of the Cuttle Brook - five were in Cedar Crescent and three in Maple Road.

Roy Clements from Cedar Crescent said at the time: "Everything is soaking and the water is six or seven inches up the walls. It is eight inches outside the garden. Even in last year's flood it only went in the bathroom, but this time it's the whole house. I just can't get my head round it."

Despite the devastation, the Environment Agency has told SODC that the Cuttle Brook only has a low risk status and that they are not prepared to spend money on any desilting works, needed to prevent the brook breaking its banks; however, it has agreed to move two natural obstructions from the waterway.

Nevertheless, the Monson report warns there should be "a greater focus on flash flooding by all parties with more pro-active local input and co-operation".

It continues: "The carrying capacity of the brook would appear to be inadequate. Clearance of vegetation and obstructions should be undertaken both through and downstream of the flooded area. Given the EA's stated priorities, riparian owners should undertake the work."

SODC has recommended the highways authority should make checks to paths of the brook at Spring Path and Oxford Road and also highlighted that access to ditches crossing the flood plain should be improved by landowners. Tiddington, where at least ten houses were flooded, was described in the report as "one of the worst hit (villages) in the district". SODC has recommended highway drainage systems are cleared of silt and that landowners move obstructions on the watercourse.