A large part of the sea wall and footpath has now collapsed in Coverack, as the village continues to remain “split in two.”

West Cornwall MP Andrew George spoke with parish councillors on Saturday, following a casework surgery in St Keverne that morning.

Mr George met council chairman Roger Combe, together with councillors Robert Beadle and Sarah Lyne, and parish clerk Grace Hatton. He also met village shopkeeper Angie Richards of Brenda’s, hoteliers Rick and Janet House of the Bay Hotel and other business owners and residents. It is after the damage caused by the recent storms, which left a large gaping hole in the sea wall.

Despite Cornwall Council plugging it with sandbags and beginning repairs, the road-level wall and footpath above gave up on Friday and crumbled down onto the beach – taking with it protective railings and granite quoins.

Mr George said: “Coverack is now split in two – as far as vehicular access is concerned – and this will have an impact on the ability of emergency services to get to properties at the south of the village. It is important that Cornwall Council is given all the necessary assistance in reinstating and strengthening the sea wall at Coverack.”

Before the further collapse Cornwall Council had estimated that it would take at least two months to repair the wall and make the road useable again. It is not known how long the latest damage will add to the road closure. However, while the road is impassable, visitors can continue to park in the two car parks at the entrance to the village and walk the rest of the way through the village. The harbour end can be reached via the back way into the village, past the school, with diversion in place from Zoar Garage.

Mr George has also visited other areas affected by the stormy weather, including Porthleven, Mullion and Penzance, and has vowed to step up his efforts in getting government help over the “mammoth job” faced by Cornwall Council to reinstate coastal defences.