An emergency 999 call were made to the fire service during flooding on the Lizard Peninsula last month never actually reached the local fire station, it has been claimed.

This was the complaint raised by one resident near Traboe, off Goonhilly Downs, this week, who said she called the fire control centre on March 14 but was told by the woman at the end of the line that crews were “far too busy.”

However, she claimed she later learned from one of the crew members at St Keverne Fire Station that no shouts were put through to them on any of those dates.

She said: “The water was lapping up at Traboe Chapel; the lady at the command centre said they were ‘far too busy’. I’m afraid the fire brigade never received a call.

“If that water had gone into their house… It was also getting near their borehole and septic tank.”

She said that she also tried calling for help on two other dates, to no avail, although she acknowledged that on one of the occasions the fire crew from St Keverne was already at Porthallow dealing with flooding there, which she understood.

But speaking generally she added: “What would happen if we were flooding or had a fire?

“It’s not for someone answering the telephone to decide [what gets put through].”

Another resident added: “What’s going to happen if St Keverne Fire Brigade doesn’t get shouts? Is the station going to be closed?”

With no emergency services responding the woman said it was left to her family to help pump the water away, adding that over the last two months they had pumped away 12,500 litres of water from the council soakaway.

“Someone has to speak out and get this sorted out. We’re going out in the middle of the night to do something that’s not our job. The [Cornwall] council hasn’t got a clue what’s going on.”

She said she had also left messages with Cornwall councillor Julian Rand on March 14, March 15 and April 1 but he had not returned her calls.

The resident was speaking to a meeting of St Keverne parish councillors, who expressed concern over her claims.

Councillor Roger Combe said he believed all 999 calls were recorded and asked: "Can we investigate why that wasn't acted upon?"

Council chairman Roger Richards agreed: "I would have though the parish council would be keen to actually ask the questions why and how."

He suggested the clerk also "jog" Mr Rand, who it is understood was away on the date of the council meeting.

The Packet attempted to contact Mr Rand and Cornwall Council, on behalf of the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, but had received no response as the Packet went to press.