RESIDENTS have hit out at the authorities for failing to deal with flooding dangers in their village. Properties in Gunnislake were left severely damaged for the second time in six years by flood waters at the weekend – and local people say the problem could have been avoided. 'We get a huge downfall of leaves during the autumn which block the drains and with the rainfall it is going to cause problems,' said Colin Doyle, whose paper shop suffered damage of more than £15,000. 'Had the drains been cleared before the rain it would not have happened,' he added. 'The authorities knew this weather was coming and something should have been done to prevent it.' A total of 20 properties in Gunnislake were damaged by the flood after a culvert burst its banks at the top of Hoopers Lane leaving water to run down the hill and into houses on its way to the River Tamar. The Buccaneer Inn had to open its back door to let flood waters through the pub as levels reached more than 3ft deep in some areas.
