Local MP Sheryll Murray has expressed her concern about the amount of flooding and has vowed to do all she can to alleviate the problem for residents. Sheryll's own village of Millbrook was among the many communities which have been affected by the floods, by landslips and by fallen trees.
On Saturday night, as reports started to come in, Sheryll went into the centre of Millbrook to see for herself the devastation which had occurred. Sheryll said, "It is suspected that much of the flooding in Millbrook was caused by a padlocked sluice gate. The problem was that staff from the Environment Agency were deployed elsewhere. I have asked that local control be given to this important flood measure so that this issue cannot be repeated."
On Sunday Sheryll visited Polperro. Sheryll said, "There seemed to be widespread praise for the flood prevention measures in Polperro however there was a particular issue again at the Millhouse. There was a leat which provided power to a water wheel and alterations to the course of the water seem to be causing the issue, possibly because of silting. I have asked the Council to investigate this matter urgently."
Also on Sunday afternoon Sheryll visited Looe Monkey Sanctuary who seemed to be having a particularly bad weekend. Sheryll said, "Looe Monkey sanctuary has had a difficult last few days and I would urge those that can to spare a thought for this very local charity. They have suffered from flooding in their office and they have also had to cut trees down as there was a risk to the new Barbary Macaque enclosure. In an unrelated issue I was upset to hear that they also suffered the loss of Pepper, a 10 month old capuchin. I would urge anyone who can to give generously at this difficult time. You can donate to their website http://www.wildfutures.org/
On Sunday night Sheryll was in Cawsand with local Councillor George Trubody. Sheryll said, "I alerted the Highways Agency to a very severe problem which had not been anticipated in Cawsand. It appears that a drainage system had become blocked and was causing substantial problems to some. I have asked the Environment Agency to clear this as a matter of urgency."
In a statement Sheryll said, "It is clear that South East Cornwall has suffered unprecedented amounts of rainfall. I would like to thank the fire brigade, police and coastguard for their brave efforts at this difficult time. My thoughts are with everyone who has suffered in this weather. I would like to assure everyone that I will be doing all I can to assist and if anyone has anything they think I can help with please do contact my office on 01579 344428 or call in at Windsor Place, Liskeard."
Ends
Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll at floods in Polperro and Sheryll at the Monkey Sanctuary