A 3m wall of water caused millions of pounds-worth of damage

The floods on Monday 16 August caused millions of pounds damage.

On a visit to Devon on Tuesday, Richard Caborn said negotiations were taking place to decide how much money can be given to the area.

Talks are being held between North Cornwall District Council, the Regional Development Agency and the government.

Former glory

A 3m (10ft) wall of water crashed through Boscastle when 77mm (3in) of rain fell in a couple of hours.

Cars in the harbour car park were thrown into the sea and dozens of people were airlifted to safety by seven rescue helicopters.

Several buildings were also destroyed or damaged.

Mr Caborn gave an assurance that every effort was being made to help the village recover.

He said: "We will be working with the people of Boscastle to bring the village back to its former glory as a major attraction in Cornwall.

Richard Caborn said several agencies would help the village

"There are financial facilities that will be accessed and I know that the local tourist board and the regional development agency will also be working with the village to let it get itself back as quickly as possible."

Talks are continuing, but there is currently no indication yet as to how much money the village will receive or how soon it will be available.

Meanwhile, an appeal launched by North Cornwall District Council to help people affected by the flooding, which also hit Canworthy Water, Crackington Haven and Bude, has raised �115,853, including a �10,000 donation from the British Red Cross.

Fund chairman and councillor Graham Facks-Martin said: "We are extremely pleased with the generous response to this national appeal.

"We are very keen to publicise the fact that people from all the north Cornwall areas affected by the floods can apply for financial help from the fund."