Tankers are being used to transport waste water from Porthleven to Helston while emergency repairs are carried out.

South West Water has issued a statement after it was forced to close one of the main roads into Porthleven to traffic.

A burst sewer just past Tregew Farm means the B3304 is closed from the junction on the Penzance road, while repairs are completed.

A South West Water spokesperson said: “In order to ensure the burst has no affect on our customers’ waste water drainage and to prevent any damage to the environment we are using tankers to transport waste water from the Porthleven Harbour pumping station to the local wastewater treatment works."

The closure came into force on Friday, just days before the other main road into Porthleven, from Helston, was also due to be shut for resurfacing from Monday, leading to concerns over access.

South West Water said it had been in talks with Cornwall Council, which has resulted in the resurfacing work being postponed until after the emergency work is completed.

“Following concerns about a road closure due to begin on Monday 27 January on the B3304 between Porthleven Road and Penrose Hill for resurfacing work, we have worked with Cornwall Council who have agreed to postpone their work while we complete the sewer repair to ensure access to Porthleven is maintained.

“We will look to complete our repair and reopen the road as soon as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and would like to thank our customers for their patience," added the spokesperson.