By Karen Bate

Unparalleled rainfall and swollen rivers which caused the worst flooding parts of North Dorset have seen in decades put the new gates on the road to Hammoon to the test.

As reported in our last edition of the New Blackmore Vale, the gates were installed to close the road, which cuts through the River Stour, to traffic when the river breaches after heavy rainfall.

After two nights of torrential rain, the water level of River Stour rose fast, causing the first big flood of the season and the new flood safety gates were used for the first time.

At 7am on Thursday, October 21, five temporary large red flip round warning signs were displayed, three on the A357 junction and two at Manston at the end of Hammoon Lane.

Both gates were closed but left unlocked for one farmer to access his cattle field and for one resident at the Hammoon end who lives at the far side of the gate.

However, within the first few hours, the Manston gate was opened by an unauthorised person and cars were trying to get through – the gate was quickly padlocked shut.

On Friday, the flood water level was still high so the gates remained padlocked but an unauthorised person cut the padlock and vehicles attempted to get through.

Chairman of Manston & Hammoon Parish Council Nick Frampton said: “Please reiterate to your readers, if it rains lots, the river will flood and Hammoon will, as always, become impassable! The flood gates will only be closed when deemed necessary by the Environment Agency and will only be opened by authorised personnel when the road is deemed safe to use – both will now be padlocked whilst in use.”

Emergency services have been called to rescue passengers from vehicles on the road to Hammoon, who have been trapped in floodwater or stopped from being swept away with most incidents resulting in at least two fire engines, various police cars and several ambulances attending, plus either the air ambulance and or the coast guard helicopter.

In partnership with Dorset Council Highways and the Environment Agency along with the full backing of the Fire Brigade, during any periods of heavy rain which then causes the river to flood, the gates will be securely closed until the flood waters have receded.