he "greed factor" could be kicking in among landlords letting properties to people displaced by the Thames Ditton flooding.

At least 12 properties in the area have had to be vacated indefinitely, and other people have moved out temporarily while their houses dry after a major Thames Water water main burst in Basingfield Road at 4am on Thursday, November 30.

But short supply of rental homes in Thames Ditton at a time when many people are looking for short-term lodgings could cause some to cash in on their misfortune, according to letting manager at HJC, Paul Barnett.

He said: "We have managed to find two properties for reasonable prices for clients, but the flood could not have happened at a worse time of year as so few properties are available before Christmas.

"If it had happened in the summer there would be more empty properties, but no one likes to move out just before Christmas.

"I hate to say it but the greed factor could be kicking in, and agents may be charging more for properties because they know people are desperate."

This contrasts to the good spirit noted by councillor for Thames Ditton Ruth Lyon, on her walk around the area.

She said: "The spirit of the Blitz has kicked in and everyone is helping each other out."

This community spirit was confirmed by Vee Fooks, who lives in a cottage which is set a few steps down from the High Street.

She said: "My neighbours have been fantastic, they were over with buckets and a pump and have made numerous cups of tea," she said.

Angelina Colarusso, who owns Bridal Couture in the High Street, lost thousands of pounds worth of her bespoke wedding dresses.

She said: "So many of my former clients have pitched in to help me. Two have offered me space in their homes to work in, and another has been in to help me sort my stock out.

"The loyalty has been amazing."

Thames Water John Drudge, Surrey Fire and Emergency Support Service coordinator, said: "As the flood happened, a lot of people were indoors and were forced to evacuate their homes.

"It all happened very quickly so people were shocked.

"We were there to give them a hot drink and advise them on what to do next. We helped a lot of people find places to stay."

Ian Taylor, MP for Esher and Walton said: "I have sent the stiffest message ever to the chairman of Thames Water. In the short term, the company has accepted liability and sent in loss adjusters.

"I shall fight hard for the damage to be fully covered so householders do not have to claim on their own insurance policies.

"In some cases, they have no insurance cover anyway because of previous floods and sewage backfilling. All this is unacceptable."