By Karen Bate

New gates have been installed on the road which cuts through the River Stour in Hammoon near Sturminster Newton to close the road to traffic when the river breaches after heavy rainfall.

Flooding in Hammoon has been a perennial problem to villagers for decades. Rising river levels and more extreme weather has resulted in the River Stour bursting its banks and flooding the road.

After years of campaigning for a physical barrier to stop drivers ploughing on through floodwater, the Manston and Hammoon Parish Council are now breathing a sigh of relief.

Over the last few years the emergency services have been called to rescue passengers from vehicles which have been trapped in floodwater or from being swept away.

More recently firefighters were called after a car became trapped in flood water and rescuers used a boat to help the driver to safety.

Chairman of Manston & Hammoon Parish Council Nick Frampton said: “Most incidents result in at least two fire engines, various police cars and several ambulances attending, plus either the air ambulance and or the Coastguard helicopter.

“As far as we are aware, no lives have yet been lost due to flooding here at Hammoon, however there are many incidents every year of vehicles trying to drive through the flood waters, which not only puts lives in danger, especially those of our emergency services, but also has a large cost implication to our community.”

“Our village seems to be affected by flooding more often every year, so after many years of discussion and the realisation that signs do not deter drivers, we have finally managed to get installed a permanent physical barrier on each side of the river, which will stop people from driving into the flood water from both directions.”

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.”