An elderly woman and her two dogs died yesterday afternoon after the car they were in plunged into the causeway at the King Harry Ferry slip.
The driver, her husband, was not in the car as it bumped against another car and then entered the water on the Roseland side at about 4pm.
The ferry was at the opposite side of the causeway at the time.
It is unknown whether the couple, both in their seventies, are local to Cornwall.
Police, fire and coastguard were scrambled, aided by RNAS Culdrose and police divers.
Local mussel diver, Matt Vernon, carried out numerous attempts to rescue the woman.
He told the West Briton: "The car was at least 25ft underwater. It was impossible to try and smash a window.
"I got round to the front of the car and found the passenger window was wide open and the car was filled with water.
Diving without oxygen, Mr Vernon had to resurface to take a breath before going back down to the car.
He said the water was very murky and visibility extremely poor.
He attempted to attach a grappling hook to the car but it was not strong enough to take the weight.
Both Falmouth's All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats were on the scene by this time aiding the rescue attempt.
A line was eventually secured to the car by commercial divers who were brought to the scene by the MTS Valonia. The car was totally submerged for at least 30 minutes.
Shortly after 6pm the Fire Brigade managed to pull the car back onto the slipway and the body of the missing women was recovered from the car.
The channel, called the Carrick Roads, stretches from Falmouth to Truro and is famous for its size and depth.
It has the third largest natural harbour in the world at its mouth, and in parts depths reach up to 34 meters.
The King Harry Ferry released the following statement: "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of everyone involved in yesterday's tragedy. The ferry was not involved in the incident and our normal service has resumed."
The ferry connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock, Truro and Falmouth and is one of only five chain ferries in England.See a map of where the incident happened: View Woman dies in tragedy at King Harry Ferry site in a larger map
Not many people can claim a world record, let alone three, but Diane Charles, from Zelah, became the first woman to run a mile in under five minutes in 1954.
Just 23 days after Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile, Diane posted a time of 4 minutes 59.6 seconds in a club meet whilst at Birchfield Harriers.
Diane, who recently turned 80, said; "I had tried it a few times at bigger events but not quite managed to get below five minutes.
"Obviously Roger Bannister had just broken four minutes, but with the help of two pace makers.
"We were running on our own but when the time keeper announced that the five minute barrier could be on the crowd really got behind me.
"I really stretched out in the final hundred and when I found out my time I thought Oh good, at last!"
Diane then went on to break the world record for 880 yards as well as her own time for the mile by a massive 15 seconds the following year, a record that then stood for seven years.
Diane is now hoping to spur more people on by get involved in Runway Runaround for the Cornwall Air Ambulance, which takes place on Sunday March 24 at RAF St Mawgan.
"Running is a great way to get and stay fit." Says Diane "The Runway Runaround event is a really nice course and with the four km fun run or ten km option anyone can take part."
Susie Smith, fundraising manager for the charity said; "We are delighted that Diane is getting involved, she truly is a running legend.
"As Diane said, Runway Runaround is a great event for keen runners and novices alike.
"It's through events like this that we can continue our vital work, which is saving time and saving lives."
St Ives RFC have revealed that they have been thrown out of the Cornwall Cup after the failure of all parties to find a new date for their delayed semi-final against Wadebridge Camels. This means the final, at Penryn on Easter Saturday, March 30, will be contested between two teams who received walkovers in their semi-finals - the Camels and Camborne, whose opponents Bude cried off last week. Last Saturday's Wadebridge v St Ives semi-final was postponed because the Camels' Molesworth Field pitch was waterlogged. The Cornwall RFU then ordered the teams to play the tie on the Sunday, but St Ives said no. Earlier this week it was announced that both clubs had agreed to play at a neutral ground, St Austell's Tregorrick Park, next Tuesday March 26, but it has since been discovered that Tregorrick Park is unavailable. When it was suggested that the match could be played at St Ives, it is understood that Wadebridge turned down that option, and no other neutral venue could be found to stage the semi-final.
THE CHRISTIAN owners of a Marazion guesthouse who were taken to court after they refused a gay couple a double room will now legally be allowed to turn away unmarried straight and gay couples.
Peter and Hazelmary Bull have changed the status of the Chymorvah guesthouse to a not-for-profit company, allowing them to specify that anyone staying with them should abide by their Bible-based beliefs.
The couple revealed details of the change this week, in their first in-depth interview with The Cornishman since turning away civil partners Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy from their guesthouse almost five years ago.
Mr and Mrs Bull, who have run the guesthouse for 27 years, were later ordered to pay £3,600 in damages to the couple and their civil case has been the subject of endless media speculation.
Since then, the guesthouse owners have appealed against the decision in the Court of Appeal, which they lost, and are now set to have the case heard in the Supreme Court.
In the meantime, Mrs Bull said they wanted to be able to continue with their policy of not allowing unmarried heterosexual couples and homosexual couples to share a double bed under their roof.
Mrs Bull said: "The Christian Institute advised us on how to form a limited company, which we were able to do by stating in the articles of the company that anyone coming to stay here would be expected to abide by our Bible-based beliefs.
"When we had the trial, there were a number of local B&Bs who said, 'we are watching this very closely because we want to be able to say no sometimes', not necessarily to that particular group of people but just on certain occasions."
The couple's defence was financed by The Christian Institute, a charity which says it believes the case could have far-reaching ramifications.
A spokesman for the institute said: "The finding against them still stands. They had to find a way of still running a business so they can pay their mortgage without compromising their beliefs. The advice they got was that they should set up a not-for-profit company that only provides a service to Christians."
Gale force winds and up to 100mm of rain are expected to hit Cornwall over the next two days. The Met Office has upgraded the warning level for Cornwall from yellow to amber. The rain sweeping the county is expected to become heavy and prolonged on Thursday night, persisting through much of Friday. A Met Office spokesman said the public should be prepared for localised flooding and disruption to travel. The spokesmand said: "40 to 60mm is expected to fall widely over southern parts of both Cornwall and Devon by the end of Friday with the potential for in excess of 100mm to fall over exposed southern and southeastern upslopes. Southeasterly winds will also increase to reach gale force around exposed coasts and also over high ground." The Environment Agency also warned that heavy rain today and tomorrow could lead to flooding in South West England.It advised the public to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater. Ben Johnstone for the Environment Agency said: "We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings on the Environment Agency website, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for possible flooding. We also ask that people stay safe and not try to wade or drive through any deep water." The Agency is monitoring river levels and expected to issue flood alerts and possibly flood warnings. There is expected to be snow further north and this could lead to significant travel disruption. It said the public can keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings for their area on the Environment Agency website and with forecasts on TV and radio.
Emergency services are on the scene of a crash on Tregolls Road coming into Truro. A white Ford pick-up towing a generator went into the central reservation near the speed camera at the top of the road just before midday. It is not yet known whether anybody was injured in the crash. View A390 crash in a larger map
The driver of a lorry has been flown to hospital following a crash with a car in St Austell this morning.
The incident happened on the A390 on Coliza Hill, just before the Polgooth turn-off, at 10.45am.
The lorry driver was thrown from his cab, suffering multiple fractures.
The road is still closed and the casualty has been taken by air to Derriford Hospital. View St Austell crash in a larger map
WHILE many school students use the Easter holidays to take it easy, four of Fowey Community College's Year 9 pupils will be donning hiking boots and hitting the trail to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Fourteen-year-olds, Harry Lowe, Hugh Elworthy, Joe Hunter and Jake Penprase will be spending two days covering 50km along The Saints Way during the April break.
Hugh said: "We chose the charity because it is something which has affected the families of the whole group.
"We're advertising the event on posters in Golant and Fowey and in school. We are hoping to raise £1000 and we already have over £450."
Ann-Maree James, area volunteer manager at Cancer Research UK, expressed delight that the boys had chosen Cancer Research UK as their cause."We wish them success with the Saints Way walk.
"Our groundbreaking work has saved millions of lives, but more than 1 in 3 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives so there's much more we need to do."
Julie Penprase, Jake's mothsaid she was pleased that the boys came up with the plan to raise funds for such a good cause and the dedication they've shown since.
She added: "I was really impressed that the boys came up with this idea themselves as it will involve a great deal of effort and commitment.
"They have already done a practice walk of 11 miles with an overnight camp and are planning to complete some more practices before the final two-day walk."
John Perry, head teacher, says: "This is a great cause which has had an impact on my own family, and I am very proud that the boys are so determined to raise funds in such an impressive way."
The boys' Just Giving page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/thesaintswaywalk.
Marazion has been named the second most desirable place in the country to own a second home, in a list complied by The Times. The ancient market town near Penzance has beat off competition from other places in Cornwall such as Mousehole, St Ives and Polzeath, which arguably would have been more obvious choices. In its explanation of what is great about the town which looks out on St Michael's Mount, The Times says: "A dreamy stretch of white sand that is popular with children and windsurfers". The newspaper goes on to report that a prospective buyer could expect to pay up to £500,000 for a period house with a seaview. The only other place in Cornwall to get a mention in the list is Treyarnon Bay on the north coast near Rock, which is described as being popular with families for its "convivial" atmosphere. Charlotte Somers, who works in Marazion, said it is a good place to be. She said: "I concur that it is one of the most beautiful places in the UK and its diverse history (one of the oldest chartered towns in Cornwall and an important centre of commerce during the 18th Century with fishing and mine exports) coupled with it being a thriving town of artists, galleries, its own museum and post-office and lovely cafes, pubs and an award-winning restaurant – Ben's Cornish Kitchen – do make it an attractive place to live and work – and that's before we get onto the stunning views." VisitCornwall boss Malcolm Bell said these types of list did not necessarily help the communities they hoped to promote. "The danger with some of these lists is people go 'oh, I must buy a home in Marazion or Treyarnon," he said. "I know these lists are popular but they are often not that well thought through because you do wonder about these two places. I would have thought other locations would have come up earlier and the danger is you create demand that was not already there." Mr Bell said that there were a number of different types of second home and some could be beneficial for Cornish communities as long as they were not all concentrated in one place. He added: "If you end up with two many second homes in a place, two things can happen; you tend to push the local community out or strain the local community and they can become ghost towns in winter."
The Times' 30 best places for a second home: 1. Askrigg, North Yorkshire 2. Marazion, Cornwall 3. Ilmington, Warwickshire 4. Combe Martin, Devon 5. Ashbourne, Derbyshire 6. Aviemore, Highlands 7. Hayling Island, Hampshire 8. Cookham Dean, Berkshire 9. Lavenham, Suffolk 10. Painswick, Gloucestershire 11. Freshwater, Isle of Wight 12. North Berwick, East Lothian 13. Loddon, Norfolk 14. Great Malvern, Worcestershire 15. Tenby, Pembrokeshire 16. Porthmadog, Gwynedd 17. Ambleside, Cumbria 18. Rhosneigr 19. Christchurch, Dorset 20. Market Bosworth, Leicestershire 21. Filey, North Yorkshire 22. Whitby, North Yorkshire 23. Sheringham, Norfolk 24. Rye, East Sussex 25. Seaham, County Durham 26. Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall 27. Woolacombe, Devon 28. Brockenhurst, Hampshire 29. Helmsley, North Yorkshire 30. Holy Island, Northumberland
The "goat-man" of Truro has been hauled before the courts once again after breaching a ban on keeping goats. Michael Chester, 65, of Malabar Road, Truro – known as the goat man - and William Rowland, 42, of Chapel Terrace, Carharrack appeared before Truro Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Mr Chester pleaded guilty to keeping goats whilst banned under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Mr Rowland pleaded guilty to failing to safeguard the welfare of goats by keeping them in dangerous housing. Mr Chester was originally banned from keeping goats in 2009. This ban was then confirmed by Truro Crown Court in 2010 following his appeal. However, Mr Chester chose to ignore the ban, resulting in a complaint to the Council's Public Health and Protection Service. It was proved that Mr Chester was actively involved in keeping goats on his secluded land at Trefullock, Fraddon, even though Mr Rowland had become the legal owner of the animals since the ban. The Court heard that the goats were being kept in a ramshackle shed made of corrugated iron and scaffolding poles. Jonathan McCulloch, an animal health inspector in the council's public health and protection service, said: "The shed was constructed of scaffolding poles and had a corrugated iron roof. The scaffolding poles were not set in concrete or even anchored down, a strong gale would have blown down the shed and caused serious injury to the goats. "The goats were allowed out of their housing into what could only be called a scrap yard. The yard was littered with broken glass, nails, and sharp jagged metal; all these items gave great potential to injure the goats." Mr Rowland was given a conditional discharge for two years and banned from owning and keeping farm animals for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay costs of £250. Mr Kernick, chairman of the bench, told Mr Chester that "his breach of the Court Order was very serious and the Court took a very dim view". Mr Chester was given a six months curfew for seven days a week between 12 noon and midnight at his home address. He was also ordered to pay £250 in costs. Speaking after the case Allan Hampshire, head of Cornwall Council's public health and protection service said: "This case is the first instance of a person in Cornwall who was been banned under the Animal Welfare Act then being prosecuted for deliberately breaching his ban. The Council will never turn a blind eye to such behaviour and is pleased that Magistrates recognised the seriousness of breaching the court order with this sentence. "In court Mr Chester stated he no longer has any intention of keeping goats. I am pleased he has finally realised that animal welfare standards matter and that this type of court order cannot just be ignored. Thanks must go to Hillside animal sanctuary, in Norfolk, for rescuing the goats."
George Osborne is under pressure to rule out second home owners getting state-backed 95% mortgages under his flagship housing policy.
High levels of second home ownership cause huge resentment across Devon and Cornwall, with critics blaming part-time residents for forcing up house prices and undermining local services.
The 's Budget on Wednesday revealed state loans for deposits and mortgage guarantees would help hundreds of thousands of first-time buyers and "second steppers". While the policy blocks buy-to-lets, it does not explicitly rule out would-be second home owners from taking advantage.
Today, Mr Osborne could not rule out support for second home owners when pressed on Radio 4's Today programme.
There are around 26,000 holiday homes across Devon and Cornwall.
Councillor Alex Folkes, a Liberal Democrat who has campaigned to restrict second home ownership in Cornwall, said: "Liberal Democrats have worked hard in Cornwall to close the loopholes that give unfair advantages to second home owners. The council has ended the second home council tax discount and we want to make owners apply for change of use permission before they can turn a house into a second home. Liberal Democrats have made affordable homes for local people one of our top priorities. Cornwall cannot afford for Mr Osborne to undo all this hard work and so we need him to be clear that his new scheme will not subsidise second homes."
He added: "Yesterday's budget did a lot that is right for Cornwall. It extended the income tax threshold to £10,000 a year early - fulfilling a promise made on the front page of the Lib Dem manifesto. If provided much needed help with child care costs and provided a boost to the beer industry. It would be a shame if all this good work was overwhelmed in the public mind by an ill-defined policy on new homes."
Ed Balls MP, Labour's Shadow Chancellor, said: "Not only is George Osborne pressing ahead with a tax cut for millionaires it now seems that his mortgage scheme will help people, no matter how high their income, to buy a subsidised second home worth up to £600,000.
"The Government is basically saying that if you've got a spare room in a social home you'll have to pay the bedroom tax, but if you want a spare home we'll help you buy one.
"Is the Government really going to give millionaires a tax cut averaging £100,000 and then give them a taxpayer guarantee if they use that money as a deposit on a house - a second home or even a home to buy to let? Not just tax cuts for millionaires but subsidised mortgages for millionaires.
"Surely people struggling to get a mortgage and those who want to own their first home must be the priority for help, not the small number who can afford to buy a second one. We will only tackle the housing crisis and help first time buyers if we finally build the new affordable homes we have said should be at the heart of any proper plan for jobs and growth.
"This more of the same Budget stuck with a plan that is completely failing on growth, living standards and the deficit, but the one new thing George Osborne announced is already unravelling."
A WEST Cornwall judo event which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year is holding a reunion for its veteran members. St Ives Judo Easter course, which was launched in 1963, is hoping to see many old friends and sparing partners at the event.
The four-day event from March 29 to April 3, will include lessons, grading and bouts and takes place at the Guildhall.
John Couch, area president for Cornwall Judo and a sixth dan judo master said: "This year sees the 50th consecutive St Ives Easter Judo course, and there are still people about who attended the very first course.
"The Easter course committee wishes to mark the occasion by extending a warm welcome to all Easter course veterans at a reunion to be held on Easter Saturday at the Western Hotel St Ives at 7.30pm.
"Many of the people who have been involved in Judo throughout the county and further afield are proud to say they got their dan grade at the St Ives Easter course.
"The idea of the reunion is to get old Judo friends and sparing partners together to remember old friends, talk over old times,and refight all the old battles verbally over a glass of wine.
"A number of Easter veterans have already booked in and it is looking as if it will be a night to remember."
Mr Couch said the course this year is set to be one of the best ever.
The President of the British Judo Council Mr Otani, vice present Mr Mealing, 6th dan Kodokan Mrs Michico Whyman and many other senior grades will be at present.
Guests instructors include former world champion Jane Bridge Charlot and former world, Olympic and nine times all Japan champion Maki Tsukada.
Accountancy firm Kelsall Steele is celebrating sporting triumph after its team claimed top spot in a local corporate football league. The five-a-side league, run by Cornwall Sports Partnership, took place at Truro Prep School and ran over several weeks. Kelsall Steele took on five other sides during the course of the competition including teams submitted by Rodda's, Ward Williams Associates and Heart Cornwall. Kelsall Steele swept aside their initial opponents on the way to a play-off match versus Stephens Scown to decide the league winner. The final was a close-fought match but Kelsall Steele ran out 5-3 winners to claim the trophy. Team member Sam Joyce said the victory highlights a strong team ethic: "We're all delighted to bring the shield home for Kelsall Steele. The win is further proof of how well the team works together whether we're in the office or out on the football pitch." Kelsall Steele, which operates offices in Truro and Camborne, has been providing accountancy and financial services to businesses and individuals alike for more than 60 years.
The top of the table Carlsberg South West Peninsula League premier division match between Elburton Villa and Bodmin Town, scheduled for Friday evening, has been postponed. League secretary Phil Hiscox announced at 6pm on Thursday that the postponement had been allowed 24 hours before the scheduled kick-off in view of the severe weather forecast for Friday on top of a day of rain already on Thursday. Mr Hiscox revealed that there have been 351 postponements so far this season, which is approaching half of the whole season's fixtures he originally scheduled last June. And that number is almost certain to be added to this weekend, with pitches around Cornwall and Devon already very wet, with another 24 hours of heavy rain expected.
The South West Coast Path Association has announced a £250,000 investment for improvements to coastal paths despite their fundraiser having not yet taken place.
The association has already met the goal set for its 40th Anniversary Great South West Walk which was due to take place in two events on April 3 and April 16.
The funds were planned for use in over 50 improvements to more than 630 miles of South West coastal paths.
The £250,000 target was reached after supporting bodies and companies put forward their money in support of the planned event.
John Slater, commercial partnerships director at South West Coast Path Association, said: "We're extremely grateful to a range of organisations that have helped us secure our target of £250,000 which means every penny raised will take us above and beyond our original goal."
Forty of the 56 legs of the planned walk have received sponsorship and the organisation has raised expectations and will aim for £300,000.
Mr Slater added: "Amidst stories of cliff falls and rumours about parts of the path being closed, we want to ensure that our message is heard far and wide – that the South West Coast Path is open and that with funds raised from this event it will be here for many more years for people to enjoy."
Those wishing to sign up in advance to the walk or find out more should contact the South West Coast Path Association on 01752 896327.
The Government yesterday attempted to reject claims second-home owners could get state-backed mortgages under its flagship housing policy.
High levels of second-home ownership cause huge resentment across Devon and Cornwall, with critics blaming part-time residents for forcing up house prices and undermining local services.
George Osborne's Budget on Wednesday unveiled state loans for deposits and mortgage guarantees to help hundreds of thousands of first-time buyers and "second steppers".
But yesterday morning, the Chancellor repeatedly ducked questions on whether the scheme could be used by purchasers looking for a second home.
Housing Minister Mark Prisk later insisted it was "not the case" wealthy householders could use the scheme to buy a second home.
But Labour claimed in the Commons yesterday that page 39 of the Budget "red book" states the scheme is open to existing homeowners.
There are around 26,000 holiday homes across Devon and Cornwall. Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Folkes, who has campaigned to restrict second home ownership in Cornwall, said: "Liberal Democrats have worked hard in Cornwall to close the loopholes that give unfair advantages to second home owners.
"Cornwall cannot afford for Mr Osborne to undo all this hard work and so we need him to be clear that his new scheme will not subsidise second homes."
Stephen Gilbert, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell and Newquay, hopes to raise a question in the Commons today.
He said: "It's very welcome that Government is doing more to stimulate house building and promote home ownership, but this help must be directed only at those who are struggling to get on the housing ladder and not those who seek a second home.
"We should be supporting aspiration from those who are priced out of the market or struggling to save for a deposit, not helping those who already have homes expand their housing empire."
Ed Balls, Labour's Shadow Chancellor, said: "Not only is George Osborne pressing ahead with a tax cut for millionaires it now seems that his mortgage scheme will help people to buy a subsidised second home worth up to £600,000."
But Mr Prisk said: "You would first have to divest your existing property prior to being able to proceed with any Help-to-Buy sale. This is about family homes. It is not about second homes. We do have details in there about making sure there is a legal declaration through a solicitor before someone can take on a purchase that they have got rid of their exiting property."
The woman killed when a car rolled down the ferry slipway at the River Fal in Falmouth has today been named as Ann Pewter aged 74 from Tavistock.
Mrs Pewter and two dogs were trapped in the car when it rolled down the slipway, bumped a car out of the way and entered the water at the deep estuary in Cornwall.
The driver, a man in his 70s, had steopped out of the car to take pictures while waiting for the ferry to return from the other side of the river.
The car was under water for about two hours after rolling in at 4.05pm on Wednesday at the slipway for the King Harry Ferry.
Police Inspector Richard Hockin, critical incident manager, said from the scene: "It would appear to be an unfortunate accident where the vehicle has rolled forward and gone into the water with a female passenger inside who is now deceased."
The car, a purple people carrier, was driven to the approach of the King Harry Ferry by the woman's husband, also in his seventies.
The car was recovered from the water, however the woman passenger was pronounced dead at the scene along with two dogs also trapped in the car.
The driver was not in the vehicle at the time of the car entering the water and was unharmed.
A local mussel diver carried out numerous attempts to rescue the woman.
Matt Vernon was in the area and staff from the King Harry Ferry pointed out where the car had gone in.
Mr Vernon told the West Briton: "The car was at least 25ft underwater. It was impossible to try and smash a window.
"I got round to the front of the car and found the passenger window was wide open and the car was filled with water.
"I still tried as there was still a chance of getting somebody out and reviving them."
Diving without oxygen, Mr Vernon had to resurface to take a breath before going back down to the car.
He said the water was very murky and visibility extremely poor.
He attempted to attach a grappling hook to the car but it was not strong enough to take the weight.
At that point divers from the coastguard were on the scene and managed to winch the car back onto the shore where it was covered with a tarpaulin.
Police said the dead woman was immediately flown to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.
A map of the scene of the incident: View Woman dies in tragedy at King Harry Ferry site in a larger map
The channel, called the Carrick Roads, stretches from Falmouth to Truro and is famous for its size and depth.
It has the third largest natural harbour in the world at its mouth, and in parts depths reach up to 34 meters.
The King Harry Ferry website has released the following statement: "Our thoughts are with everyone involved after a car came off the Roseland slipway side of the King Harry Ferry."
The ferry connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock, Truro and Falmouth and is one of only five chain ferries in England.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information and especially those in vehicles that were present at the time of the incident. Any witnesses should ring Devon and Cornwall police on 101 quoting log number 456 20/03/13.
7.30 PM UPDATE:
Road update: The A387 in Loee is still closed and the A394 at Breague still has surface flooding.
The A39 at Playing Place roundabout has re-opened.6.20 PM UPDATE:
The A39 at Kilhampton and A389 at Sladesbridge have both re-opened.5.45 PM UPDATE:
A crash on the A39 Truro to Falmouth Road has caused chaos for rush-hour drivers.
The multi-vehicle crash is understood to have taken place on the A39 near the Playing Place roundabout.Read more here.
ROUND-UP OF FLOOD INCIDENTS IN CORNWALL AT THIS TIME:
-Flood ALERTS remain in place for: River Fowey, Tamar, Rivers Looe and Seaton, Helford and Fal Rivers, St Austell and Par Rivers, West Cornwall Rivers (at Lands End, Helston, Crowlas, St Ives, Hayle, Camborne and Perranporth), North Cornwall Rivers (at Newquay, Padstow, Wadebridge and Sladesbridge, Bodmin and Camelford)
- Weather WARNING: Still at amber 'be prepared' for Cornwall
- A body has been discovered following a BUILDING COLLAPSE in Looe
- A woman has died after being thrown from her car and trapped under a van in a crash on the A39 near Kilkhampton
- ROADS CLOSED: A39 Kilhampton, A39 at Playing Place, A387 in Looe
- ROADS BLOCKED: A389 Sladesbridge, A395 at Breague. 4.30 PM UPDATE:
A body has been recovered from a building in Looe which partially collapsed this morning following a landslide. Read the full story here.
See a video of the scene of the building collapse:
St Martin's Place and Sandplace Road in Looe remain closed this evening following the landslip.
The Council is working to re open St Martin's Place as quickly as possible and hopes that it will re-open under traffic light control over the weekend. Highways crews have also been working to suspend road works in the town where ever possible to help improve access. The town remains open for business. 2.10 PM UPDATE:
A back road used as a rat-run in Truro has been flooded in the torrential rain.
Coosebean Lane is used by drivers looking for a short-cut from the city centre to Treliske.
But now the lane is in up to 18 inches of water after severe rain in the area.
Mark Nicholls, who lives nearby, said: "It's been blocked for the best part of a year but at the moment it's really bad.
"The cars are still going through but you cannot walk through. They need to clear out the drain and let it flow off."
The A374 at Torpoint has been re-opened.2 PM UPDATE:
Cornwall Council has issued a statement asking anyone affected by the flooding in Cornwall since yesterday to get in touch.
They say the information will "help to identify the reasons why some areas were affected and others were not and look at how this can be prevented, or the impact reduced, in future."
Council officers will also be able to offer advice to homeowners who were affected by yesterday's flooding on steps they can take.
You can email details or photos of flood affected properties to cornwallflood@cornwall.gov.uk or call 0300 1234 100. 1.45 PM UPDATE:
A woman has died after being thrown from her car and trapped under a van in a crash on the A39 near Kilkhampton this morning. Read the full story here
A woman in her 60s is still missing after a building collapsed in Looe this morning. Read the full story here.1 PM UPDATE:Roundup of flood incidents in Cornwall so far:
- Flood WARNINGS in place at River Tresillian at Ladock and River Cober at Helston.
- Flood ALERTS at lower, middle and upper River Tamar, River Fowey, Rivers Looe and Seaton, Helford and Fal Rivers, St Austell and Par Rivers, West Cornwall Rivers and North Cornwall Rivers.
-Roads CLOSED: A39 at Kilhampton, A387 in Looe
-Roads partially blocked: A374 in Torpoint, A38 in Landrake and the A394 at Breague.
- SERIOUS RTC: On A39 at Kilhampton where a woman was trapped under a van.
- Looe HOUSE COLLAPSE: A woman in her 60s is still unaccounted for and police sniffer dogs are on the scene at Sandplace Road.
- WEATHER WARNING: Still at amber 'be prepared' for most of Cornwall, but rain due to move away from the Duchy throughout the afternoon.12.30 PM UPDATE:
The A30 at Landrake is now cleared after an earlier fuel spillage.12 NOON UPDATE:
The latest forecast from Exeter-based weather agence, the Met Office, suggests that the worst of the weather has now moved away from Cornwall, although there is still the possibility of some intense local showers.
Specialist search and rescue crews from the fire and rescue service are still in Looe where an elderly resident of a collapsed house is still missing.
The building needs to be stabilised before they can enter the property to carry out a search.
A council spokesperson said: "This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing woman.
"The Council is working with the emergency services and the Health and Safety Executive to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the landslip".
There are reports of a collapsed wall at Dockacre Road in Launceston. Fire and rescue and highways crews are at the scene.11.45AM UPDATE:See a map of flood-related incidents across Cornwall: View Floods in a larger map11.30AM UPDATE:
Flooding on the A30 at Redruth has now subsided.
The A387 in Looe is still closed because of a house collapse, and the A39 in Kilhampton because of a serious road crash.
The A374 in Torpoint has been blocked from a fallen tree and there is still flooding on the A394 at Breague.
Police sniffer dogs have joined the search for a woman in her 60's who is unaccounted for following a house collapse in Looe.1.25AM UPDATE:
A cleanup operation is beginning in Heamoor after the west Cornwall village was once again hit by flooding.
Residents said it was one of the worst onslaughts they had suffered with many still counting the cost of constant flooding over the past few months.
Heamoor and Gulval county councillor Mario Fonk said he had never seen so much water swelling into the streets.
"It was a heck of a night," he said.
"It was like a sea of water and I have never seen it this bad."
The water pooled around Main Street, Rock Terrace and Chapel Road and was said to be inches from the doorway of newsagent Heamoor News. Fire crews were called in to help local people to barricade their homes and also try to pump the rising floodwater away. 10AM UPDATE:
A woman is missing following a house collapse in Looe.
Susan Norman, who is in her 60s and is a resident of the property, is unaccounted for at this time.
Specialist fire search team offciers and police sniffer dogs are on the scene in order to carry out a search of the building.
Emergency services have been on the scene at Sandplace Road in Looe since 5.45am.
A building comprising of flats has partially collapsed following a landslide at the rear of the property.
Approximately six other properties in the street have been evacuated as a precaution and the Guildhall is being used as a temporary shelter.
Road closures include the B3253 and the A387 and diversions are in place at this time.9.50AM UPDATE:A woman is trapped under a van following two-vehicle crash on the A39 near Kilkhampton. Read more about this incident here.9.45AM UPDATE:
The Friday market in Penryn has had to be moved to from the Temperance Hall to the Town Hall as rain water got into the boiler and blew the electrics.
The town council which manages both buildings said water is also getting in the clock tower, which is part of the town hall, and are warning people to be careful. The market runs 10am until 1pm. 9.30AM UPDATE:
The A39 into Falmouth now clear at Perranarworthal and traffic moving well.
There is still a lot of standing water outside Cross Keys in Penryn and at the bottom of Arch Hill by the Pirate Paintball/Mill Lane junctions.
There is water flooding off the fields across the main road from Tresillian to Truro, Woodcock Corner.
There is flooding on the A392 at Quintrell Downs in Newquay.9AM UPDATE:
The Environment Agency are predicting that between 14mm and 22mm of rain is likely to fall across Cornwall between now and 10 am, the heaviest of which is expected to fall south of the A30.
This is likely to create surface water flooding and the possibility of landslips.
The rainfall levels will then decrease, with drier weather expected in the afternoon – although there will still be the possibility of intense local showers.
Flood warnings remain in place on the rivers Cober, Bolingey and Tresillian.
The A39 at Kilkhampton remains closed in both directions following the serious accident this morning and is likely to remain closed for some time.
Emergency services are currently on the scene on the incident at Looe where a landslip has caused the partial collapse of a property at Sandplace Road.
Around 15 people have been evacuated properties in the close vicinity.
Evacuees were initially taken to the police station but have now left to stay with friends and relatives.
The Looe branch line has been shut as a precaution and specialist officers from the Council's building control service and a geotechnical engineer from Cormac are on the scene to assess the stability of the property and the surrounding land. 8.30AM UPDATE:
Rain continues to fall as Cornwall remains on an amber 'be prepared' weather warning.
The Environment Agency have put many rivers on flood alert- especially in the west of Cornwall- where another 50mm of rain is expected to fall this morning.
A house has collapsed at Sandplace road , Looe.
Residence have been evacuated and fire crews and police are in attendance.
Roads have also been affected, leading to disruption to the morning commute.
Three roads are currently closed:
The B3287 between Tregony and Grampound, where there are two abandoned cars, Hillhead at Penryn which has been affected by a landslip and Cathaebedron near Carnhell Green, in West Cornwall which has been affected by flooding.7AM UPDATE:READ ALSO: Newlyn floods after river bursts its banks as authorities deal with widespread flooding in Cornwall.
After a night of widespread flooding in Cornwall, an amber 'be prepared' weather warning remains for much of the Duchy today.
The Environment Agency have issued flood alerts for River Tresillian at Ladock, Bolingey Stream from Bolingey to Perranporth, River Cober At Helston, and all west Cornwall rivers at Lands End, Helston, Crowlas, St Ives, Hayle and Camborne.
Last night the Coombe river burst its banks just after 8pm flooding much of Newlyn. Water didn't start to recede there until midnight.See a gallery of pictures of flooding at Newlyn overnight.
West Cornwall experienced up to 47mm of rain yesterday, with a further 50mm expected to fall today.
A high volume pump was used in Perranarworthal at Stickinbridge to reduce water levels there. The A39 was closed for some of the night but has re-opened this morning.
There is surface flooding on the A30 at Redruth and A394 in Breague, affecting traffic in those places. The A387 in Looe is closed in both directions.
Have you been affected by the floods? Send your pictures to jo.wood@localworld.co.uk
Newlyn business owners and residents were battling to keep flood waters out of their properties last night. Fire crews from Penzance, St Ives and St Just as well as police, who put road closures in place, were on the scene in Newlyn. The Newlyn Coombe river burst its banks just after 8pm yesterday evening after nearly 5cm of rain fell on the village in 24 hours. See a gallery of pictures of flooding at Newlyn overnight.
A crowd of worried residents and fascinated onlookers gathered to watch as the water poured down the village's main street. In a similar incident in November, when 52mm rain fell, the river burst its banks, sending torrents of muddy water through the village and into people's properties, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Firefighter Shaun Roberts, who was in charge of the response in Newlyn this evening, said people had been more prepared. He said: "They have learnt from last time so they all have their own sandbags now. That is the first thing the crew from St Ives did was to make sure they all had their sandbags out. "They are all getting used to this now. There might be a few inches of water (inside properties) but I don't think it is anything like it was last time." Mr Roberts said about 25 firefighters would remain on scene as heavy rain was forecast to come in over the next three hours. He added: "We have managed to get officers in position to check the water is not rising and going into properties. I think we are very lucky at the moment that we have not got the rain coming down." Although onlookers were concerned about high tide, due in at around midnight, Mr Roberts said he had been assured by local trawler men that it should not make the situation worse. One onlooker, who lives in a cottage on the east side of the river, was nervously looking to see how close the water would come to her property. She said: "I'm hoping it doesn't rain anymore. We were lucky last time it's just stayed this side (to the west). "In November the Co-op and everything got flooded. "I just feel sorry for Aunty May's and the businesses because they are just starting to get sorted and now they are flooded again." She added that she would be staying up to watch the progress of the flood waters Elaine Pascoe of Penzance had come to witness the incident after finding out about it on Facebook. She had been stuck in the Meadery during the November flood. She said: "It is not as fast this time but then again high tide is not until 12.30am. It is going to get higher." Mr Roberts advised people to stay away from the area. "We are advising people not to come to have a look," he said. "Stay in your houses because otherwise you are just going to put a lot more pressure on us." A statement from Cornwall Council said that the fire and rescue service had received around 50 calls between 6pm and 9pm this evening, with around 70 firefighters dealing with incidents across Cornwall. CORMAC and environment crews were also out dealing with incidents. Other areas affected by flooding include the A39 past the Norway Inn where the fire and rescue service have a high volume pump in operation to help reduce the water levels, surface water flooding in the Roseland area, with the road between Grampound and St Mawes badly affected. There were also continuing problems in Porthleven, Penzance and the road between Camborne and Praze. A spokesman said the council had received reports of eight properties flooding across the Duchy. Rain levels are forecast to decrease over next two hours, with around 8mm to 19 mm of rain expected between midnight and 6am tomorrow morning. There was more heavy rain forecast for tomorrow and flood warnings are currently in place for the Rivers Cober and Bolingey.
Update 23.30:
Police later reopened the road letting the first cars through at 23.15 as the flood waters began to recede.
Update 10am:
There is the possibility of a further 50mm of rainfall today, creating a significant risk of further flooding.
A spokesman for Cornwal Council said there were reports of around 15 Newlyn businesses being slightly affected last night.
The Environment Agency is warning local residents to take precautions and all agencies are monitoring the situation closely.
