Dorset Council has responded after flash flooding hit parts of west Dorset.

Questions were raised about the upkeep of drainage systems after parts of Bridport, West Bay, Beaminster and Burton Bradstock were flooded during a brief downpour last week.

David Clegg, Dorset Council service manager for Networks Operations, said: “Short duration, high intensity rainfall events are becoming more common across Dorset. These can result in drainage systems becoming overwhelmed.

“This is made worse during extended dry periods due to water repellent layers forming on the surface of normally permeable surfaces such as fields and gardens. This forces more water onto Dorset’s highways.

“Last year, Dorset Council Cabinet approved an additional investment of £200k a year on drainage maintenance, which saw us take delivery of a new gully cart and a new jetter vehicle.

“This means we have three, purpose-built machines operating across the Dorset Council network proactively emptying debris from highway drains, and two jetters responding to ad-hoc reports of flooding.”

As reported, west Dorset was hit badly by torrential rain last week pictures showed cars submerged in water.

Some residents reported using buckets and sandbags in their homes to control the influx of water coming in.

Many local businesses were affected, including Bridport Leisure Centre, Rockburn, West Bay Holiday Park, Groves Nurseries and Boots. The Bridport Arms said it needed to close ‘until further notice’ but is expected to reopen today.

The community came to help with the clean-up, with Doug Fairlie, owner of restaurant Seagulls at West Bay, saying: "We managed to get an army of people from everywhere to help. We didn't have much chance to feel, I grabbed the broom and started sweeping. It was like two big rivers coming in It was lapping up at the front door, we had to dive into action. It was absolutely amazing - the teamwork and kindness. Little children were joining in - what a good atmosphere - just an amazing team effort.

"This is only the second or third time we have flooded in the 28 years that we have been open. There was so much water.

"I'm so grateful for the holidaymakers and volunteers across the road who helped us and saved the day and got absolutely soaked."