Where local pleas for help have failed, there are hopes that some celebrity pressure may help get the Coverack sea wall repaired.

Comedian David Baddiel has been asking why the work has taken so long, particularly as the impacts of the damage are being felt during the all important Easter trading period.

The comic has been involved in a Twitter conversation with Alex Folkes, the deputy leader at the council.

Asking: "What gives at Coverack? Huge hole in sea wall, still unrepaired after months. Plus paths around quay dangerous."

Replying, Mr Folkes said that the council is aware and would "love" to be able to make repairs. But "our total bill is £24million and we don't have that".

With the comic describing the situation as dangerous, Mr Folkes said safety checks would be made "first thing".

The power of fame?