Flood defence scheme tested

The flooding tested Harbertonford's defences

Torrential rain has caused flooding across Devon, affecting homes and roads.

The worst flooding has been in Paignton town centre and Upton in Torquay.

Drivers had to cope with difficult driving conditions in south Devon, and at one point the main road to and from Dartmouth was only passable with care.

Meanwhile, there has been a mixed reaction in the village of Harbertonford over whether a flood defence scheme completed a month ago has been successful.

The water has come down faster than it ever has before to us

Ann Barnes Harbertonford resident

A dam was built and a river-widening scheme completed on the River Harbourne at Harbertonford in December.

The scheme, which cost £2m, was engineered by the Environment Agency.

Many villagers were spared a repeat of the flooding they have endured in the past thanks to the dam upstream.

Flooding leaves family stranded

"We never thought we'd see this quite so suddenly tested," said Ann Damerell.

"It's proved everything that they've done, it's absolutely wonderful," she said

But residents affected downstream are not so convinced.

Flood warnings remain in place in some areas

Don Barnes said: "Millions of pounds later after the scheme is finished, here we are flooded."

His wife, Ann, said: "It's disappointing, really. Because we were told by the environmental people that there would be no more flooding, except perhaps once every 100 years.

"And it has come down faster than it ever has before to us."

The Environment Agency has said it is investigating why some properties suffered so badly.

Flooding to four other cottages in the village was blamed on road run-off due to blocked drains.

Environment Agency flood warnings remain in force on a number of rivers across the county.

More bad weather is forecast during Thursday, the Met Office has issued a warning of heavy rain affecting both Devon and Cornwall.