Park residents to return home after evacuation

Residents of a park home site who were evacuated over a rare "danger to life" flood warning have been told they can return home.

Emergency services and staff from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council helped residents of Iford Bridge Home Park, near Christchurch in Dorset, evacuate on Wednesday to escape the rapidly rising levels of River Stour.

More than 70 flood warnings are still in place across Dorset and Hampshire in the aftermath of Storm Chandra, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for rain across the South West from midday on Monday and into Tuesday.

Nick Gray from the Environment Agency (EA) said it did not expect "any more significant impacts".

The storm led to homes and businesses being flooded, rail and road delays, plus the cancellation of school transport.

One driver died after his lorry left the road in North Gorley in the New Forest and went into a river.

Gray said the flooding in Dorset had been "some of the worst for at least the last decade".

He added: "Looking forward, it seems to be an improving position which is really positive news for the residents and the people of Dorset area.

"We do expect to see some more rain but we're not expect any more significant impacts."

On Wednesday, the EA said floodwater at Iford Bridge Home Park was expected to be deep and fast flowing, which led to the urgent evacuations.

In a Facebook post, BCP said residents could now return to their homes.

It advised them to avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

It also said people out for a walk during the weekend should stay away from cliff edges and be cautious near large bodies of water.

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