A man was forced to abandon his car in floodwater under a railway bridge in Christchurch.

Stony Lane in Burton has been flooded for days due to rising water levels and days of heavy rain.

But in the past couple of days, the water has become so deep on one side of the carriageway, two-way traffic has been impossible at times, leaving drivers waiting to navigate the floodwater.

Bournemouth Echo:

On Monday morning, one BMW driver was forced to abandon his vehicle in the flood water, after the engine cut out.

We have contacted BCP Council to ask if the issue has been exacerbated by blocked drains or if the flooding is purely due to the level of rainfall.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The railway bridge area of Stony Lane in Burton is flooded and closed due to high river levels and not blocked drains.

“BCP Council continues to carefully monitor all flooding related issues and reports.”

The road is now closed.

Work was carried out on the road almost 10 years ago to widen a footpath and clear ditches to try and prevent flooding.

Bournemouth Echo:

Part of this work included the reinstatement of the drainage system which according to one ward councillor at the time "had been poorly maintained for many years".

When flooding occurred later that year, calls were made for the culvert under the railway line to be cleared allowing the Clockhouse Stream to flow effectively.

Elsewhere in the area, fire crews have been pumping water from a flooded Matchams Lane, with 23 people also taken to safety after flooding at Woolsbridge estate.

Bournemouth Echo:

A 'huge' landslide has also caused 'major' train disruption across Dorset and Hampshire, with flooding at Sway also leading to further issues.

People have been urged not to travel unless they need to.