BOURNEMOUTH residents who experience flooding are being urged to report it to the council.

Councillor Philip Stanley-Watts, chairman of the flooding advisory group, said the borough can provide engineering advice to help prevent future incidents.

"Over the last couple of years we’ve had some major flooding incidents and we need the help of the public to prevent flooding as much as possible," he said.

"We share the information we gather about local flooding with the Environment Agency and water authorities to manage flood risks by highlighting areas most likely to flood.

"From previous experience we've found that sandbags aren't effective.

"We don't have a legal duty to provide them, but we will in an emergency.

"We can only provide general advice and information about flooding.

"If you think your property is at risk of flooding, speak to us and we may be able to provide engineering advice on how you can reduce the risk."

There was a major flood on the Fleetsbridge roundabout in Poole on Thursday due to a burst water main.