A report claiming some of the areas of Sussex worst affected by flooding could face droughts this summer has been criticised.

The Environment Agency today released a report saying reservoirs in the county must be enlarged despite high levels of rainfall.

It warns "the climate change could mean the region will be short of water unless reservoirs are enlarged".

But Lewes MP Norman Baker has joined residents in attacking the findings.

Mr Baker, whose constituency suffered devastating damage in some of the worst flooding the country has seen in 300 years, said: "If you asked most people they would say we need less water, not more.

"The evidence I have seen so far suggests the climatic changes will lead to an increase in rainwater, rather than less.

" The Environment Agency is not very popular at the moment as after five months it has failed to come up with a plan for Lewes.

"It was due in January and the people of Lewes want to know what the Environment Agency's priorities are."

Resident John Heath's home in Bodiam Close, Bevendean, was swamped with mud and water in late October and early November for the first time since he and his wife Maureen moved into their home 16 years ago.

He said: "Why don't they turn this place into a reservoir, just come on to the estate and turn it into a reservoir.

"This is ludicrous and the next thing we'll be having is a hosepipe ban."

The report says large parts of the region cannot sustain additional abstraction during summer and in many areas, current levels of abstraction are already damaging valuable habitats including chalk streams and wetlands.

The report, called Water Resources for the Future, looks at the environment for the next 25 years while considering the needs of industry agriculture and public water supply.

The agency says the change in climate is an important factor in the management of water resources.

It estimates household demand for water is likely to be increased by hotter summers as the increase in temperatures result in people using more water. Agricultural demand for water will also increase.

Its new strategy could help but it would mean the enlargement of the Darwell Reservoir or the Bewl Reservoir in East Sussex.

One of these schemes could be needed as early as 2012 to ensure supplies are boosted by raising water levels in the reservoirs.