THE operator of a riverside park home site in Bournemouth has been fined several thousands pounds after making “inadequate efforts to protect residents from flooding".

Residents at Iford Bridge Home Park complained to BCP Council over outstanding repair works.

The site in Old Bridge Road next to the River Stour has seen residents evacuated due to flood concerns multiple times over the past decade.

The local authority attempted to resolve the issues with operator Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd through informal action.

However, after the company failed to fully act on a compliance notice, BCP Council took the matter to court.

Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd, whose address was given as c/o Price Bailey Chartered Accountants, Cowley Road, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to seven offences of failing to adhere to the compliance notice.

Magistrates sitting in Poole on March 23 issued a fine totalling £3,500 along with orders to pay £760 costs and a £190 surcharge.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory services, said: “We are extremely pleased about the result of this prosecution against Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd in relation to non-compliance with its site licence conditions.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Bobbie DoveCllr Bobbie Dove (Image: BCP Council)

“We hope that this positive result comes as a relief to the residents. It also serves as a warning that we will take action when others refuse to follow their license conditions.”

As recently as February 2020, residents were advised to evacuate the 79-property site due to flood risks created by Storm Dennis.

Bournemouth Echo: High water levels in February 2020 on the River Stour at IfordHigh water levels in February 2020 on the River Stour at Iford

Thirteen people from eight properties were accommodated in hostels while an evacuation centre at nearby Iford Baptist Church was accessed by 28 property owners.

Previous high water levels on the river during the 2013 festive period and early 2014 saw residents evacuated twice over a short period.

Regarding the issues raised that led to the court action, Cllr Dove, who represents the Littledown and Iford ward councillor, said: “The offences included: failure to replace damaged and missing fence boundaries, failure to provide an up to date electrical inspection report, blocked drainage, failure to update flood evacuation procedures and inadequate efforts to protect residents from flooding and failure to provide up to date fire risk assessment.

“I would like to the thank the park home residents who have supported both the council and ward councillors throughout this matter.

"We will continue to work hard to ensure that all residents live in accommodation which is both safe and of a high standard.”

The Daily Echo approached Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd for comment.

Stay up to date with all the latest community news in Bournemouth with our dedicated Facebook group. Click here to find out more and join.