THE CONTINUAL flooding of a road in Christchurch is causing 'traffic mayhem'.

Deep flood water under the railway bridge at Stony Lane means commuters have to divert as a result, causing a 'crazy amount of congestion.'

The section of road under the bridge is currently closed off for motorists following heavy rainfall.

Wendy Garside lives in Christchurch and has been affected by the road closure for the past four years.

Wendy said: "We have contacted the council numerous times about the flooding on Stony Lane.

"The closure effectively cuts Burton off from Christchurch unless you take the long way round, over bridge on bypass.

"The problem has been ongoing for years, and it would be nice to know whether someone is investigating how to resolve it.

"It just doesn't seem to be a priority."

Wendy and her husband Peter contacted Burton and Grange ward councillor Simon McCormack, who has been acting as an intermediary between residents and BCP Council.

Cllr McCormack said: "I think it is a major issue.

"Stony Lane is actually a B road, meaning it serves both the village and commuters.

"All the traffic that goes down there is being diverted to alternative routes.

"And that is going to be a big problem for us going forward because that route isn't designed for that level of traffic."

Cllr McCormack said due to BCP Council's current financial position, it is very difficult to address the issue effectively.

He added: "There's a bit of a misconception among residents thinking that it's to do with dredging the ditches and things.

"It's not. It's related to the flood defences failing and the river returning to its original location."

It was suggested a solution to the flooding would cost millions of pounds and involve raising the height of the road.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy and BCP Council, said: "Sustained heavy rainfall in recent days has caused instances of flooding along the River Avon and tributaries. Consequently, some standing floodwater remains on Stony Lane, Christchurch.

"We have experienced one of the wettest winters on record, and the ground in this area is heavily saturated. This means that floodwater cannot quickly drain, increasing the risk of flooding."