Cornwall cottage flooded three times in a week
A historic cottage on the Roseland Peninsula has been flooded three times in just one week, leaving its owner and family living in temporary accommodation and desperate for action.
Jennie Spicer, whose home at Bessy Beneath Cottages in Ruan High Lanes dates back to the 17th century, says the repeated floods are making life unbearable.
“We cannot live like this,” she said.
“We haven’t had a home in two years as we keep getting displaced by flood water.”
This week’s torrential rain caused flooding on Monday, Thursday night, and Friday morning, with water reaching at least 18 inches high in the back garden.
Mrs Spicer’s home has now been flooded five times since 2023, including a major incident in September last year that forced the family to vacate the property for nine months.
Her cottage, allegedly named after a local highwaywoman buried beneath the house, has suffered ongoing damage from water overwhelming the drainage system.
Despite repeated reports to Cornwall Council, local councillors, and her MP, the problem persists.
“My husband and son battled the elements for three hours on Monday night before giving up,” Jennie said.
“We are constantly having to report the drains, which are often blocked with compacted mud. Even when Cornwall Highways says the drains are cleared, they are overflowing again within minutes. The drains clearly need CCTV inspection and proper repair.”
The family is currently living in temporary accommodation while authorities assess the situation.
Jennie has contacted her local MP, Jayne Kirkham, as well as Cornwall Council’s highways department, requesting urgent action to prevent further damage.
Jennie’s story highlights the ongoing struggle faced by residents in flood-prone areas across Cornwall, with repeated heavy rainfall placing historic properties and families at serious risk.