Mole Valley’s MP has said his "bucket was not enough" to solve the flooding crisis but he is pushing for insurers to pay out and for better flood defences.

Leatherhead and other parts of Sir Paul Beresford’s constituency along the River Mole have been repeatedly hit by flooding since Christmas Eve.

Sir Beresford said he is helping flood victims struggling with insurers but he said: "There’s no good coming down with a bucket and a pump. I just found my bucket was not enough."

He has attended a public meeting over floods in Fetcham and visited Cannon Grove where a flood victim has been targeted by thieves.

He said he has visited Leatherhead too: "On the day of the floods I was driving all round and looking to see what it was like."

He has also made contact with the Environment Agency (EA), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Surrey County Council (SCC).

But he said: "The weather forecast is for huge storms next week. We have got to sit tight. I have got to wait for them to pull together the information at the same time as dealing with the on-going floods."

In terms of funding, he said: "Surrey this time needs its fair share. Usually this is decided on a needs basis, this time we are in need and want our fair share."

Sir Paul sees the 1.1 per cent price rise by Sutton and East Surrey Water, the company providing water to Mole Valley residents, as appropriate.

But he criticised Thames Water, the company providing sewerage services, for planning to raise bills by almost 9 per cent over the next year.

In addition, Sir Beresford said sewage problems experienced during current flooding needed to be fixed once and for all.

Sir Beresford said: "The ironic part is that I’m not sure the money they are taking is going to be used on improving the sewage situation.

"I’m trying to work with the county council and Mole Valley District Council to try to put pressure on Thames Water. I want a long-term response."

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