Following Met Office warnings of heavy rain affecting Cornwall over the next 24 hours, Cornwall Council is asking residents to be prepared and take precautions where necessary.

The latest information from the MET Office and the Environment Agency is for potentially heavy rainfall, which could be very intense locally, to affect Cornwall throughout today.

As a result of the forecast the Environment Agency is advising people living in areas at risk of flooding to take precautions.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s highways, environment, fire and rescue and emergency management services will be monitoring the situation closely and are on standby to deal with any problems.

Agencies are asking people to follow the advice on dealing with the potential heavy rainfall, and warn people not to drive through any flood water.

During the floods which took place last year a number of householders reported difficulties in obtaining sandbags when the heavy rain affected their local area.

The council has said that as neither the it nor the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to provide sandbags, anyone whose property is prone to flooding should ensure they have a supply of sandbags ready to protect their home or business should they need to.

Local communities are also encouraged to check with vulnerable neighbours in case they need help getting flood protection materials.

Sandbags can be bought from builders merchants, DIY and hardware stores. Anyone who is unsure if their property is at risk can check on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call the floodline on 0845 988 1188.

For further advice on preparing for flooding visit the Environment Agency website above or the Cornwall Council website www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding