Flood-risk park home residents return after scare
BBCPeople living on a residential park at risk of flooding have returned home after being advised to evacuate overnight due to rapidly rising river levels.
The homes at Iford Bridge Home Park, on the River Stour near Bournemouth, were under threat following Storm Eowyn and Storm Herminia.
Mains power at the site was turned off on Tuesday evening with BCP Council telling residents to leave as a precautionary measure.
Electricity was restored at 09:00 GMT on Wednesday and residents have since been allowed to return home.
BCP Council said it had staff on site to ensure residents who had chosen to remain in their homes were safe and supported.
The park's warden, Carolyn Luker, who lives at the 80-home site, said most residents had heeded the warnings and left.
"People chose to go to family or hotels and I believe the council put accommodation in place for some as well," she said.
"Luckily the water levels were nowhere near as bad as November.
"I don't know if there is anymore to come as the river is still high and it is on the verges in the park, but fingers crossed, hopefully we will know a bit more later."
During the November floods, brought by Storm Bert, firefighters rescued 12 people and four dogs from homes at the park.
Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, said: "My heart goes out to residents suffering a second evacuation in as many months. This will be very distressing for them.
"My thanks go out to our fire service, the council, and all agencies advising and supporting residents to evacuate Iford Bridge Residential Park."
There were 13 flood warnings in place across Dorset on Wednesday morning.
Under a flood warning, people should move their families and pets to a safe place, and vehicles to higher ground, turn off the gas, electricity and water and, if available, put flood protection in place.
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