The EA said flood defences at Polperro in Cornwall were "overtopped" by "unprecedented" levels of floodwater.

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Millbrook, Polperro, Helston, Newlyn and Perranporth were among many areas affected by heavy and prolonged rain last month.

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At the height of the downpour, four severe flood warnings were in place, in Polperro, Helston, Perranporth and Lostwithiel.

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Devon and Cornwall Police said that across both counties 250 homes had been flooded, including properties in Millbrook and Polperro.

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The only access route taking traffic as normal after the landslips was Polperro Hill on the western side, the council said.

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