RESIDENTS across the South West were urged to avoid making any unnecessary journeys over the weekend as Devon and Cornwall was battered with further heavy rainfall and winds of up to 70mph.

The Environment Agency's highest flood alert was issued, with danger to life and conditions were exacerbated as ground was already saturated from last Thursday's torrential rain.

Areas near the Upper and Lower Tamar and North Cornwall rivers, including Milton Damerel, Hatherleigh, Hartland, Bude, Helebridge, Canworthy Water, Yeolmbridge, Polson Bridge, Sydenham, Lifton, and Camelford were all on high alert. Meanwhile Warbstow Primary School had to close last Thursday after being left with no electricity following a power failure.

As a result of the influx of calls, emergency services were forced to prioritise their response, dealing with life threatening situations first.

More than 230 staff from Cornwall Council's highways, environment and fire crews spent the weekend dealing with hundreds of incidents involving flooded roads and properties and fallen trees. Latest reports showed that around 114 properties were flooded across Cornwall.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post.