MP urges action as disruption persists after storm

Thousands of homes in Cornwall are still struggling without electricity four days after Storm Goretti.

National Grid said at 18:00 GMT about 1,250 properties remained without power, mostly around Helston, while South West Water (SWW) confirmed about 3,000 homes who remained without water on Monday morning had been reconnected. Cornwall Council said 31 schools were either closed or opening late.

St Ives Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George said: "If this happened in London or the home counties, the government would have declared national emergency."

The government said it had been working with local authorities, network engineers and emergency responders to restore services.

A No 10 spokesperson said it understood "the difficulties faced by communities in Cornwall" and that it was "continuing to work round the clock with local authorities, network engineers and emergency responders to make that happen.

"On Sunday, ministers and MPs held an emergency response meeting with water companies in Cornwall to drive the changes needed to restore water supply while prioritising vulnerable customers, and we will continue to provide whatever support is needed to communities," they explained.

Sam Bottomley, from SWW, said the effect on supplies was "unprecedented", with damage to mains from fallen trees and every pumping station out of action from power cuts.

He said the network had "continued to recharge" throughout Monday, connecting all customers back to their supplies.

SWW added some customers might have "discolouration" to their water "which is normally short lived following a burst or repairs" and that it was "fine to drink".

Bottled water stations were set up at Old Flambards Car Park in Helston, open 24 hours; Mullion School on Meaver Road, open from 07:00 GMT to 22:00; and Folly Field Car Park, Marazion, also open from 07:00 to 22:00.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said the train line between Par and Newquay was still closed and disruption was expected until the end of the day.

Urging the government to act, George said: "I think this is the worst storm in living memory."

Creagh said she had held a meeting with water bosses over the issues.

"I remain very concerned that people in several areas in the South East and South West are experiencing water supply issues following both cold weather and Storm Goretti," she said.

A government spokesperson said: "The Cabinet Office has been coordinating a multi-organisation effort to plan for and respond to Storm Goretti, working closely with local authorities, network engineers and emergency responders to restore essential services.

"Ninety-eight percent of affected customers now have power restored, and ministers have held further emergency response meetings with water companies and local resilience forums over the weekend to ensure water supplies are restored as quickly as possible.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Goretti, particularly the family and community mourning the tragic loss of life in Mawgan."

They added that two mobile phone emergency alerts had been sent to people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly before the storm hit.

Janine Williams, who runs the Blue Anchor pub in Helston, said: "It's been a bit of a mess. We've had a lot of people coming in trying to charge their phones.

"We've been quite lucky. The electric stayed on and we've got well water, so we've managed to keep our doors open.

"We've had our fires on and heating on, so people have had a warm place to sit.

"Last night, our mains water got cut off again after being put back on."

People of St Just have launched a £28,000 fundraising plea after the storm ripped off part of the roof of the local sports centre.

Trustees said the storm had exposed the floor of the centre to the rain and they were seeking urgent help to get the roof repaired before more damage was caused.

Trustee Dylan Jasper said: "We're devastated because we're new trustees and this has really put us back, but the support of the community has been lovely."

A man in his 50s died when a tree fell on a caravan in Mawgan during Thursday's rare red weather warning.

Almost 100 trees were felled by the storm on St Michael's Mount near Penzance.

Charlie Jose, a tree surgeon from Penzance, said he had three months' work ahead of him.

"It's mainly the conifers," he said.

"They're used to south-westerly winds, but when you get something coming from a different direction at that velocity, they just can't stand it. It's wiped out multiple trees.

"It's tragic to see a location devastated like that. We were out first thing Friday morning and haven't been home much since. We've got no water or electric at home.

"Phones have been ringing all the time, voicemails and texts."

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