The enormous cost of repairing listed buildings damaged in the Lewes floods will be debated in the House of Commons.

Lewes MP Norman Baker secured the debate to put forward his case to the Government for financial help in dealing with the damage to key historic buildings.

He will highlight the cost of the unforeseen damage caused by the devastating floods to 134 listed buildings.

The floods damaged the Grade I listed Jireh Chapel in the town, 129 Grade II listed buildings and 230 buildings in the town's conservation area.

Mr Baker will raise the issue in a debate in Parliament on Monday, when he will explain the excessive costs to individuals of repairing buildings which need specialist work and materials.

Mr Baker is also keeping Cabinet Office Minister Dr Mo Mowlam, who is co-ordinating the Government's response to the damage, up to date with the situation.

Dr Mowlam saw the extent of the devastation herself when she visited the scene of the flooding on November 8.

Mr Baker said: "Lewes's historic heart was hit very hard by the flooding. I want central Government to react more compassionately to the situation in Lewes.

"We have been hit very hard and our appeals for help need to be viewed sympathetically."