News release

Police Commander praises fast acting response to floods- UPDATE

The heavy rainfall from overnight and this morning is continuing to cause problems in Cornwall due to flooding of roads and property.

Although the weather is now passing through the county and the heavy rainfall has subsided, which is easing the problem of surface water, there is remains a problem with rising river levels.

Particular areas of concern due to rising river levels are Lostwithiel, Launceston, Liskeard and Bude.

Road closures due to flooding and debris are continually changing and the advice is not to travel in the county and never to drive through flood water.

While search and rescue helicopters were deployed earlier today these have been stood down and no rescues have taken place.

A rest centre has been set up at Polkyth Leisure Centre with the help of Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue and Cornwall Council for anyone displaced from their home.

A number of bridges are closed throughout the county, including the old bridge in Lostwhithel.

Chief Superintendent Chris Boarland, Commander for Cornwall, said: “A major incident was declared this morning due to the severe weather which has affected many parts of Cornwall. While the weather is improving the rising river levels pose a serious danger to the public. People should avoid travelling throughout the county and must never try to cross flooded roads. The police continue to work with our partners to monitor the latest weather and flooding forecasts and we will act as needed. The public should monitor the Environment Agency Floodline for updates for their area and if you are in a flooded area, please offer help to elderly and vulnerable people living near you, but never put yourself in any risk or danger. If you need immediate emergency assistance call 999.”

Members of the community who get their drinking water from a private supply where there has been flooding should take extra care. If water appears foul or discoloured the Health Protection Agency advises drinking bottled water or boiling water if bottled is not available.

The Primary Care Trust has arranged for emergency medicine to be dispensed without the need for a prescription for people whose medicine has been damaged by flooding . Please go to your local pharmacy and if necessary they can call your GP to authorise dispensing. In Mevagissey, where the pharmacy is unable to open, patients can go to the surgery where emergency medicines can be dispensed.

There are currently seven primary schools closed as a result of flooding – Fowey Junior and Infant school, Tywardreath, Mevagissey, Pondhu , Lanlivery ,St Winnow C of E School, Lostwithiel and Doubletrees School.   
The railway line between Liskeard and Lostwithiel has been closed as a result of a landslide.  The Newquay branch line is also currently closed because of flooding and rock falls. 

Key contacts:

Highways agency – www.highways.gov.uk/traffic  08700 660115
Floodline – www.environment-agency.gov.uk 0845 9881188
Cornwall Council -  www.cornwall.gov.uk  0300 1234 222
Devon and Cornwall Police www.devon-cornwall.police.uk 08452 777444

Release date: 18/11/2010 13:40

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