A renewed call has been made for funding to be secured for a proposed flood defence and regeneration scheme in the wake of a Cornish town suffering from more flooding.

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change said the latest flooding underlines the urgency needed to provide Looe with a flood defence and regeneration scheme to protect the town from rising sea levels, coastal erosion and long-term economic decline 

The council is working with the Environment Agency and other organisations in advancing plans to provide the town with a flood defence and regeneration scheme, but funding remains a problem.

Parts of Looe were affected by flooding on Wednesday and Thursday with roads, rail lines  and car parks closed because they were under water, leaving local people unable to access their homes and businesses.  

A combination of high spring tides and strong winds, coupled with problems caused by the depth of standing water, led to significant flooding. Standing water was created by overtopping of the quays and seawater in the drains.

Parts of the Mill Pool car park were underwater, causing problems for motorists. The flooding also affected areas around the fish market. 

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service was forced to close the main West Looe road for several hours, with the East Looe quay road also seeing a significant depth of water.

The Liskeard-Looe railway line was closed for several hours on Thursday morning, and a number of bus services were also cancelled. The line remained closed on Friday for track inspections.

Tina Hicks, the chief executive of Looe Harbour Commissioners, said: “The worst of the flooding took place in the early hours on both days.

“The water rising from the drains meant that we found ourselves wading though sewage-laced seawater, recovering the contents of washed-over bins, glass receptacles and general household waste in the dark whilst directing traffic from flooded parking areas and access roads.

“As well as the problems with the rail line and car parks, the flooding meant we also had no road access to the area around the fish market for several hours of the morning on both days, affecting everyone who lives and works in this part of the town.

“Luckily, the strength of the wind had dropped on Thursday. If that had not happened, the town would have been in serious trouble.”

Cllr Alvey said: “My heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by this latest flooding incident. It is clear that Looe is increasingly vulnerable to flooding which threatens the town’s viability. 

“The urgency of agreeing and funding a scheme to protect Looe from rising sea levels, devastating coastal erosion and long-term economic decline is clear to see.”

Looe is already frequently flooded, with the flood risk set to get worse as a result of rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms.