Flood warning issued for Iford Bridge Home Park

Residents of the Iford Bridge Home Park were told to pack a bag and prepare for flooding this morning following a warning by the Environment Agency.

The site, which is located next to the River Stour, has been put at risk by rising water levels and days of heavy rain.

The warning by the Environment Agency reads: “Flooding is expected in this area. This means properties are at risk of flooding. Please take action to protect yourself and your property and monitor local weather and river conditions.

• Read more: Cars abandoned in floodwater on Stony Lane in Christchurch

“Avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have."

Libby and Brian Mitchell, who live at the home park, said that wardens had knocked on their door this morning to tell them to pack a bag and move their cars.

The couple have experienced severe flooding at the park back in 2013, when they and other residents were evacuated from their homes.

Libby said: “That was really scary.

“The main worry is that the electrics are under the park homes, that’s why they have to evacuate you."

• Read more: Residents evacuated from Iford Bridge Home Park as "precautionary measure" after flood warning issued

While Libby said the current water levels ‘do not compare’ to what they were in 2013, she said it was ‘still worrying’ for the park.

She added: “Apparently there’s another high tide later so we’ll wait and see what happens then.”

David, a resident of three years at Iford Bridge Home Park, said: “We’re all in the same boat. We just come out and look at the river and say, ‘oh my God’.

“It’s getting worse. We'll just have to wait and see.”

BCP Council said they were in "constant contact" with the Environment Agency and "remain ready to help if the risk to homes increases".