SHOCK, sadness and anger have enveloped the close-knit community of Looe in the aftermath of a landslip which claimed the life of a popular pensioner.

Susan Norman, 68, died when Veronica Flats in Sandplace Road partially collapsed. The property shifted on its foundations and started to fall apart after a night of torrential rain.

The tenant of a flat on the upper floor, 21-year-old Dwayne Bown, managed to escape and raise the alarm, and the person living in the adjacent flat was away.

Seventeen people were evacuated from the adjoining terrace of nine houses below St Martin's Road and above Sandplace Road. These routes were damaged by an earlier landslip in November and had been undergoing repairs.

Residents have expressed strong opinions that Mrs Norman's death could have been avoided if Cornwall Council had listened to their concerns about the stability of the hillside.

Tributes to Mrs Norman, described as a loving mother and grandmother, have been led by her children, Matthew, Rachel and Helen.

Matthew Bowden, who lives in Looe, said: 'At the moment, we are still in shock and very stressed. Mum was the rock of our family. If we needed help, she was always there for us. She was one of life's good people. We don't know much more than anyone else about how this could have happened, we are still waiting. Someone must have told mum it was okay for her to stay there while a wall was being built behind her home. It was the intention of Cormac to then fill the space between the wall and St Martin's Hill, where a large hole had appeared, with concrete. If she had been told she ought to move out, she would have done so immediately.

'We want to see the results of surveys carried out there: we need to see them.'

David Holford, whose wife Lynne was one of Mrs Norman's best friends, said: 'Susan had made many friends since moving to Looe in 1991. She was widowed in 1995. As a younger woman, she had fostered a number of children, and she could tell many wonderful tales about her own children and those in her care.

'For a while Susan ran a small business and then settled to a life where she helped people, met friends, and over the years became a member of the U3A, the Old Cornwall Society, and the Looe Boat Owners' Association. She also helped to organise events.'

David said that Susan found time for everyone who needed to talk and had a quiet but friendly nature and was popular with all who knew her.

'What has happened has been devastating to all locally, most especially to her family and friends. Any loss is so very sad, but to lose someone so loved in such a heart-rending way is difficult for all to bear.'

Both county councillors for Looe, Armand Toms and Edwina Hannaford, have expressed their sadness at the death of Mrs Norman.

Mrs Hannaford said: 'Susan was a lovely, friendly and well-liked lady.'

Mr Toms said: 'As a result of this tragic loss, I am calling on the results of the health and safety enquiry to be made public. The findings need to be open and transparent.'

Looe mayor David Bryan said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and I hope they know that the whole town is thinking of them. Everyone is very upset by this tragedy and Susan will be sadly missed. We cannot thank enough all the emergency services involved for all their hard work and support throughout Friday.'

Today at 11.30am, the mayor, mayoress and councillors, accompanied by the Rev Philip Sharp, will be leading a gathering at The Mariners' Garden next to the bridge. A floral tribute is to be laid on behalf of the town in memory of Mrs Norman. The family are being invited to attend if they wish, and the community is also welcome to join in and lay flowers.

A book of condolence has been opened at Looe Tourist Information Centre which will later be given to Mrs Norman's family.