Evacuations at Dorset caravan park due to flooding
Iford Bridge Home Park in Christchurch has been affected
Last updated 26th Nov 2024
People have been evacuated from their homes because of flooding from the swollen River Stour in Christchurch.
Parts of Iford Bridge Home Park are under water, with an ongoing flood warning in place from the Environment Agency (EA).
The mains power to the area has been shut off for the time being, and won't be turned back on until it's safe.
BCP Council has set up a rest centre for residents affected, at the Beaufort Community Centre.
The Environment Agency's latest advice suggests that the peak river level had been expected to reach 3.1m at Iford Bridge.
They've also said the levels are now receding slowly - as this graph shows:
BCP Council update
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said;
“The council has been working closely with our partners at the Environment Agency to support local communities affected by the recent storm.
“Our teams, alongside the emergency services, have responded swiftly to ensure residents have access to the support they need, following rehearsed plans for such events.
“We continue to work on site at Iford Bridge Home Park to support the residents that chose to stay in their homes overnight.
“A closer emergency rest location is now being setup at Beaufort Community Centre.
“Residents are being evacuated by the fire service and will be able to access the rest centre where there will be further support to ensure that they have somewhere safe and warm to stay until it is safe to return to their homes.
“We will continue to support residents today and in the coming days.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have been called out to help - in a statement, they've said:
"We were called at 9.21am today (Tuesday 26th November) to Old Bridge Road, Bournemouth to reports of flooding affecting multiple properties. Crews from Christchurch including a wading crew, and a support vehicle were mobilised to the incident where twelve people and four dogs were rescued.
"We are still currently on scene, and we are working with our colleagues at BCP Council to evacuate the remaining properties."Bau
The high river levels are causing some other disruption in the BCP area too, Cllr Hadley added:
“Due to the high river levels and flooding, Dorset Council have closed Ringwood Road at Longham Bridge. BCP Council has put barriers and warning signs in place at Bear Cross Roundabout.
“This closure affects residents travelling towards Ferndown and means there is no access to Bournemouth Recycling Centre. The centre will remain closed today. Please do not attempt to access the centre.
“Residents wishing to travel towards Ferndown should find an alternative route and proceed with care as local flooding in other areas is possible.
“If you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole you can also use Christchurch Recycling Centre and Nuffield Recycling Centre.”
People are asked by EA to keep themselves safe:
"If you have been evacuated only return to your property once the emergency services have advised that it is safe to do so. Stay away from floodwater - it contains hidden dangers such as open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals."
More rain to come
The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow warning for heavy rain for the South coast, including Dorset.
It's in force from 10.00pm tonight (Tuesday 26th November) until midday tomorrow (Wednesday 27th).
Up to 40mm of rain could fall in places, with around 20mm expected widely.