The weather in this country can at least be relied on for one thing — constantly changing.

Oxfordshire has just suffered two of the driest years on record, which prompted Thames Water to impose a hosepipe ban last month.

But no sooner had the company done this than the heavens opened and the county experienced the third wettest April to date.

The heavy rain has caused problems across southern Oxfordshire, including flooding Denchworth Road in West Hanney after Childrey Brook rose.

A large number of people have already been inconvenienced but, thankfully, so far, rivers have not reached the point where they are about to flood and endanger people’s homes.

More rain is expected and the Environment Agency is monitoring river levels so that it can keep residents fully informed.

What does seem certain is that it will take many more months of heavy rain before Thames Water considers lifting the hosepipe ban.