News

After weeks of heavy rain and torrential rain in recent days, Lostwithiel is experiencing a major flood. Many houses and several businesses have been flooded and there is an imminent risk of the river breaching.

As 2am on Friday 21st December Queen Street started flooding. The Carpet Gallery and Fantasia Bridal shop was affected and water rose up to the door of Stick of Lostwithiel. A torrent poured down Tanhouse Road but volunteers cleared road gullies and dramatically reduced the problem.

On Saturday 22nd December the leat behind Park Road overflowed and the leat by King George V playing field filled up. High tide was around midday, by which point a number of properties had been evacuated. Businesses and homes along Quay Street and North Street were flooded. A number of people were rescued from their homes on Quay Street by life raft.

The next crisis point is 1am Sunday 23rd December (high tide). The river level is not dropping and more rain is forecast. A high volume pump has been deployed. Certain areas keep filling; King George V playing field, the land behind Park Road, the Parade, Silverlake and even the bottom of Mill Hill is a cause for concern.

Sandbags have been distributed to all areas in need and police and fire crews are knocking on doors of homes in Lostwithiel which could be affected if flood defences are breached. Residents are being warned to make preparations and be ready to evacuate at short notice. Emergency rest centres have been set up at Lostwithiel Community Centre, Liddicoat Road and St Winnow School, Polscoe Road for those who have had to leave their properties.

Authorities have asked people to stay away from flooded areas and the edge of river banks to allow them to do their jobs. Lostwithiel Flood Group has praised the huge number of local heroes who have done enormous amounts of good work today as well as police, fire service, highways agency, and river rescue amongst other authorities who have all made massive efforts.

For updates, pictures and videos visit the Lostwithiel Flood Group page and the Love Lostwithiel page or follow @LoveLostwithiel on Twitter.