Flash floods wreaked havoc in Falmouth on Thursday, closing the town centre for most of the day.

Water poured into shops and businesses causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

It was the second time within a month that heavy rain had caused flooding and it has brought anger from traders who thought current work by South West Water would at last put an end to a problem which has caused chaos for more than 20 years.

At the height of the downpour, flood water cascaded down into town from higher up Killigrew Street and Kimberley Park Road, over the newly laid Moor and into Webber Street and Market Street.

Levels rose by four feet in just 10 minutes the water leaving a devastating trail of destruction in its wake.

The worst of the flooding hit Market Strand by the Prince of Wales Pier where boat operator Sandra Pill waded around in Wellington boots said it was the worst she had ever known.

At the foot of the High Street, people watched as the force of the water lifted cars and moved them around.

Manhole covers lifted and road surfaces cracked.

The pier was cordoned off by fire crews, and the High Street had to be closed. Lorries were stacked chaotically back up the hill, unable to move.

The Prince of Wales pub bore the brunt of the unexpected disaster and gallons of water rose almost four foot up the side of the building in a few minutes. Water poured into the recently renovated pub and seeped through the walls.

The pub had just opened after a previous flood and was planning a grand opening at the weekend under new ownership.

At Tesco staff stacked sandbags and swept water out of the shop as customers huddled from the torrential rain storm.

Some shops put up apologetic notices telling the public "flooded again!!"

The water disappeared as quickly as it came, but brought a call for action from traders who quickly arranged to meet and discuss the situation as South West Water, the Environment Agency, and other authorities, all denied it was their responsibility to make sure it did not happen again.