The Government was today warned Sussex householders hit by flooding were growing frustrated at the slow progress of work to build defences.

Wealden MP Charles Hendry told a Westminster debate many Uckfield residents were still unable to return to their homes, 13 months after last year's floods.

He said they did not believe enough had been done to prevent a repeat of the "devastation".

Mr Hendry said: "There is frustration bordering on anger in Uckfield that so little has been done.

"Some ditches have been cleaned and some minor works have been carried out but the major work has not started."

He said the Environment Agency had drawn up four possible schemes to protect Lewes and Uckfield and was holding a public consultation exercise on which one to proceed with.

The MP said: "The agency should skip consultation and get the work started. They are are the experts."

He insisted the cost of the scheme should not be taken into consideration and the Treasury should stump up whatever was required."

Mr Hendry was joined by Lewes MP Norman Baker in calling for the Government to underwrite insurance claims of people whose homes were at risk of flooding.

The MPs fear that, when an agreement with insurance companies to provide cover runs out next year, householders will be left unable to get cover.