Caravan park evacuated after Storm Chandra causes river to burst its banks

Residents at a caravan park in Dorset were forced to abandon their homes overnight after Storm Chandra caused the nearby river to burst its banks.

Severe flooding hit the Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch when heavy rainfall saw the water level surge in the River Stour.

The Environment Agency had issued a danger to life flood warning for the Lower Stour region yesterday, which remains in place.

Staff from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), as well as emergency services, helped residents evacuate.

Those affected were told to pack a bag with essential items such as medications and prepare to be away from their properties overnight.

Power to the site, which has 80 homes, was also impacted by flooding.

The EA told residents: ‘Pack a bag with essential items such as medications you may need.

‘Forecast levels will impact power to the site which will need to be turned off ahead of flooding.

‘Move family, pets and cars to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so.’

Residents association chairman Paul Lacey told the BBC: ‘This is the third time in the 10 years I’ve been here that we’ve had to evacuate.

‘The chances of the homes flooding are pretty remote because the majority are raised up now so it’s access and the electricity going off that’s the problem.’

Martin Sadler, who was among those evacuated, said: ‘I was there in 2013 and my home was flooded then.

‘Subsequent to that the homes were raised by about 65cms. I feel quite safe actually now that the home is safe from flooding.

‘I think they are turning the electricity off, and so that’s a bit difficult to be comfortable without that.

‘I stayed there until it got a bit risky and I left. I left before I got wet feet.’

Ann Mallett, who has gone to stay with her family after being evacuated, said flood alleviation measures needed installing at the park after the latest incident.

‘It’s obviously going to get worse every year, and nobody seems to do anything about it,’ she said.

‘We are okay because we are over to our sons to stay, but some people don’t have that.

‘It’s just a flipping nuisance really. They have switched the electricity off, and I did a big shop about a week ago. I should not have done really.’

BCP environment councillor Andy Hadley said: ‘We know this must be a worrying time for the residents of Iford Bridge Home Park and Redhill and Wheatplot Homes Sites impacted by flooding.

‘Our team, along with emergency services, are currently on-site provide information, support and reassurance to those affected.’

Floods minister Emma Hardy said: ‘Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected.

‘I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.

‘I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.’

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