Flooded park home residents able to return

Mains power at the residential park was turned off at 23:30 on Monday, with residents urged to prepare for flooding and pack an overnight bag

Residents who left their park homes after a river burst its banks, following heavy rainfall brought by Storm Bert, are able to move back in.

Mains power at Iford Bridge Home Park was turned off on Monday night with residents urged to leave as levels rose on the River Stour.

On Tuesday, firefighters rescued 12 people and four dogs from their flooded homes at the park near Bournemouth.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said following safety checks the electricity was back on and "it is safe for residents to return to their homes if they wish to do so".

Fire crews helped residents from their homes at Iford Bridge Residential Park

The council said it was contacting residents evacuated from the site to inform them of the update.

Those returning to their homes are being advised to check all their appliances.

A council emergency rest centre was set up for the residents, as well as people from two other park home sites along the River Stour.

Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park remains under an Environment Agency (EA) flood warning along with nine other areas.

The EA said river levels were now receding "to a level where water is no longer threatening park homes".

"However, water may remain around properties for some time," it added.