Isle of Portland Floods

Repairing flood damage in the fishing village of Chiswell

An extensive clean-up operation is underway at the small fishing village of Chiswell on the Isle of Portland after storms have caused damage and severe flooding. Residents work alongside the military who are drafted in to help. Many areas of the village have been affected including Chiswell High Street and Brandy Row. The neighbouring village of Fortuneswell is also affected with clean-up crews working in Victoria Square. Sea defences are restored on Chesil beach.

The Isle of Portland is connected to Weymouth by Chesil Beach which is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The village of Chiswell was originally built on the pebble beach but due to the high risk of flooding it was set back at sea level. The village lies at the point where Chesil Beach joins Portland to the Dorset mainland. Some villagers chose to move and build their homes further up the hill creating the village of Fortuneswell. Portland Bill is the southern tip of the island of Portland.