Works commence to prevent flooding on Chideock road

Sea Hill Lane in Chideock has seen consistent flooding for two months after heavy rains caused widespread disruption across west Dorset.

On Monday, December 4, heavy rainfall caused a small river which runs alongside the road between Chideock and Seatown to become blocked by debris.

The water from the river then began flowing onto the road in large quantities, causing drains to block up and the entire road to flood.

READ:Chideock road turned into muddy river as floods hit village

Since December, each time heavy rainfall has hit the area, the blocked river has caused water to flood the road over and over again.

The problem is not a new one and residents have been concerned about the issue for some time.

Works to fix flooding issues have commenced (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Water from the stream is now flowing underground, where previously this pipe had been blocked and water was flowing into the road (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Dorset Council previously said there are no "short-term fixes" to stop the river flowing into the road, however, preliminary work began to fix the issue this week, and the river now appears to be unblocked and is flowing underground once again.

One resident of Sea Hill Lane said: "It has been a long time coming but things seem to be looking a lot better.

Delays are expected whilst works are ongoing on the road (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"The road is no longer the river and we won't have to have the same worries we had before.

"It has taken too long. Residents have made their views very clear that this work should have been started a long time ago but we are grateful that it is finally being done.

"It certainly looks a lot better than it has done for months."

Another resident said: "It’s very positive that the council now appears to be seriously addressing the flood and drainage issues on Sea Hill Lane and we hope this can be a long-term resolution which stops the flooding if the road and local properties.“ 

The works are due to be completed on Monday, February 12, but the water from the stream is already running underground and through its intended path.

Delays are possible for cars travelling between Seatown and Chideock whilst works are ongoing.

The river is now flowing underground as intended (Image: Tom Lawrence)

A spokesperson for Dorset Council previously said: “We attended this week and have removed a blockage that has restored the flow of the stream.

"However, our investigations identified some additional maintenance work needs to be carried out to the culvert.

"We are currently scheduling this work and will publicise the date when it is confirmed. In the meantime, we thank the local community for their patience and understanding.”