Park residents told to evacuate as river rises

Rapidly rising river levels near a park home site have prompted officials to issue a risk to life flood warning and telling residents to evacuate as quickly as possible.

Severe flooding is expected at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch, Dorset, where the River Stour is rising.

Emergency services and staff from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are helping residents who are being told to pack an overnight bag and move pets and vehicles to safety.

The Environment Agency said river levels were forecast to be higher than in November 2024 when 12 people had to be rescued from their homes.

It said levels would peak 3.66m (12ft) at approximately 14:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The agency said floodwater was expected to be deep and fast flowing, adding: "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 said: "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."

He added: "The water goes in through underneath the main electric cupboards and, of course, they've got to turn the electric off in case it all blows."

"Most places have got gas hobs anyway so we can eat, we can put water onto the gas hob, we can put tinned food on to the gas hob. We can cope with the no heating.

"But a lot of the people on the site are vulnerable so they do have to go because they need the heating."

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."