As the Christmas period started and my hardworking staff began a well earned break South East Cornwall was yet again hit by floods. I visited many parts of the Constituency this time to see the damage for myself.
After driving through flooded roads in the Luxulyan Valley, it was a shock to see the damage in Lostwithiel. Flooding causes so much heartache at any time but for this to happen so close to Christmas is particularly devastating for those constituents affected.
I was also very concerned for the businesses and residents affected by the landslip at the road to Hannafore in Looe. I visited the area on Saturday afternoon and discovered that the road was still closed. However the Council contractors assured me that they had been working hard to enable access for emergency vehicles.
I also visited Polperro where my office had been engaged in a dialogue with all parties to investigate the cause of the flooding in the area of the Old Mill House. This area had again flooded and I will continue to push for a solution.
I was also concerned to discover that Downderry had suffered flooding in areas including the school and I had reports of land slips in the area. Hessenford was again flooded and by the time I reached Polbathic, I saw for myself the Car Sales business was underwater and many of the cars ruined.
In Millbrook and Cawsand there was a recurrence of the flooding that took place a few weeks ago.
I have already been in contact with Richard Benyon MP, the Minister of State, and he has asked me to provide an update and also inform him with what I think is needed. Thankfully the Government has already promised financial help to assist with the flooding and I will be working with my local Councillors to ensure this is channelled where it is needed.
I would like to pay a special tribute to all those from Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency, the Coastguard, our fire service, the police, the ambulance service, the RNLI and the many others who all turned out to help people who had their homes flooded.
I would also like to thank the Flood wardens and Flood committees in places like Lostwithiel for taking prompt action.
It is at times like this that we see local people pull together and I am very proud of all communities throughout my constituency.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Local Councillors George Trubody, Armand Toms, Brian Galipeau and Gavin Shakerley for their rapid response to the disaster.
As always, my staff will be available from the 3 January when they return from Christmas break to help anyone who requires assistance. If there is anyone with information concerning blocked drains or where much needed improvements to the drainage system need to be I will be happy to forward this information to the local council, environment agency and the minister.