This dramatic photograph shows just how hard a new water system has been working to prevent Helston flooding during the recent storms.

However, a new long-term solution could be on the horizon with the news that a planning application is being drawn up for submission this spring, which would remove the threat on up 150 homes in the town for good.

The flood relief channel pictured was built at Loe Bar by the Environment Agency (EA), as a temporary measure while repairs are made to a rock tunnel, excavated by hand in the 1860s, through which the adjoining Loe Pool has historically overflowed through into the sea.

When the tunnel was damaged in storms last year, this put homes in the St Johns area of Helston at serious risk of flooding due to the River Cober backing up.

The EA was forced to bring in emergency pumps that pumped the river water over the bar and into the sea, with officers also speeding up planned work for a new 185 metre long relief culvert.

Last week it proved its worth, with the prolonged wet weather showing just how necessary the tunnel's capacity to move five cubic metres of water per second is.

An EA spokesperson said: "This is preventing water levels at Loe Pool from increasing; were the water not able to discharge to the sea Helston would ultimately flood.

"The Environment Agency is currently trying to repair the tunnel through which Loe Pool historically discharged.

"This is incredibly challenging, especially in the context of the extreme conditions that we experience around Cornwall's coasts."

Subject to weather restrictions, however, it is hoped that the repairs will be completed in May this year, when the new culvert will be buried below the beach and only used to discharge water that exceeds the capacity of the historic tunnel.

"Having this new flood relief culvert will mean that we no longer have to pump water over Loe Bar during flood events - something that happens relatively frequently - reducing flood risk to Helston," added the spokesperson.

"It also means that we will have more control over water levels in Loe Pool so that the water levels can be managed to the benefit of wildlife."

At the same time, the EA is still looking for a long-term solution to Helston's flooding risk and is proposing to build new flood walls between St Johns Bridge and County Bridge to prevent flooding from the River Cober itself.

A public drop-in event was held at the Old Cattle Market earlier this month, following meetings with affected homeowners, and it hopes to submit a planning application for the work this spring.

The EA has been looking for a solution since 2016, but an earlier planned scheme proved too expensive and the cost remains a key issue.