Flood relief work costing almost £200,000 is urgently needed before more wet weather arrives this autumn.

A scrutiny investigation for Brighton and Hove City Council made 25 recommendations for improvements following serious flooding in Bevendean, Mile Oak, Patcham and Woodingdean.

Councillor Christine Simpson, who chaired the scrutiny panel, said: "We have worked extremely long and hard to identify measures which could be taken to avoid future flooding in vulnerable areas.

"We feel these are the most practical and cost-effective in the short term. If Cabinet councillors approve them and allocate funding, work could start as early as this summer."

Recommendations include changing land use at Upper Bevendean Farm, so water does not run off it, and improving dams at Bevendean.

At Mile Oak, a narrow drainage ditch is being recommended west of Cockroost Hill, to divert flood water.

In Patcham, if residents agree, a clay bund will be built around the edge of Patcham Place playing field to store flood water.

Another change of land use is recommended at Woodingdean, on a field to the west of Falmer Road, to prevent run-off. There would also be replanting of a hedge and building of a ditch. Extra soakaways are recommended in Happy Valley, west of Falmer Road.

Other recommendations include better monitoring and flood warnings in Patcham, where water rose from underground, and an improved road closure system when streets become polluted with flood water.

Officers have already bought high-visibility jackets so staff are easily identified on site.

A dedicated emergency helpline will be set up during any serious floods, with trained staff able to speak to people in distress.

Councillors also wanted gullies and soakaways cleaned more often so they provided effective protection from flooding.

The council is keen to liaise with Southern Water and the Environment Agency to look at ways of funding more permanent solutions to the problem, which will involve spending millions on better drainage.

Coun Simpson said: "Every time we have extreme rainfall, we have problems with the existing system. We need a permanent long-term solution to this problem."