Storm Ciarán: Holiday park thanks emergency crews

Firefighters knocked on doors to alert residents of the rising flood water

Managers of a holiday park in Dorset, which was flooded during Storm Ciarán, have paid tribute to the emergency services who evacuated the site.

Police, ambulance, fire and coastguard teams rescued residents from Freshwater Beach Holiday Park at Burton Bradstock early on 2 November.

A coastguard helicopter, a rescue team and an all-weather lifeboat were involved with the evacuation.

The park also thanked nearby holiday parks that took in "marooned guests".

Coastguard crews were among the emergency services called

In a Facebook post, the park said: "We'd like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the emergency services who responded so efficiently during the recent storm."

The holiday park also thanked Dorset Council and its own staff, as well as everyone who sent well wishes and support.

"We're determined to come back stronger and brighter than ever," the post said.

Staff are working to clear up after flooding at the holiday park

Rachel Shaw, who was staying at the park in a camper van, said firefighters knocked on caravan doors to alert people to the fast-rising flood water.

She described waking up to find "the whole site was like a lake".

"The whole field that's normally full of tents was underwater and smoke coming out of the electric hook-ups, as they became submerged," she said.

The holiday park said its swimming pools would remain closed until the 25 November but its bowling, restaurant and bar would be open on Saturday and Sunday, then on Thursdays to Sundays from from 16 November.

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