AREAS along the South East Cornwall coast experienced flooding misery caused by a storm surge this week, with Looe and Fowey the worst affected.

The quaysides at East and West Looe were inundated as high spring tides, coupled with low pressure, gale force winds and heavy rain took their toll. Back streets were covered in water which also swirled into Fore Street at East Looe, damaging some properties.

In West Looe, the tide went almost up to the fire station and around into Princes Square. The Millpool car park was completely covered at one stage.

The Environment Agency called in South West Water, which responded quickly to the emergency to repair locks on storm drains at West Looe, the force of water in the drainage system having blown them off.

On Wednesday night, coastguards blocked the bridge not allowing vehicles into West Looe.

Cornwall councillor Armand Toms said the flooding was worst on Wednesday morning. However, he said there wasn't a huge amount of damage.

Harbourmaster Jeff Penhaligon said that, although the water wasn't deep, it was the highest tide with the most coverage in the town he had seen in his seven years at Looe.

At Fowey, the river flooded into the main street causing damage on Wednesday morning and evening.