An investigation will take place into the cause of floods that caused damage estimated at thousands of pounds.

Brighton and Hove Council has ordered the probe into what went wrong at Bevendean when dams burst, flooding houses and shops, after heavy rain.

The move was decided after a meeting between council chief executive Glynn Jones, Kemp Town MP Des Turner and local councillors.

But council opposition leader Geoffrey Theobald wants a much wider-ranging inquiry, saying he was appalled and distressed by the severity of the damage.

He has called for a full scrutiny investigation over what the council could have done to minimise the flooding. He said: "Several people have also told me it was impossible to gain any assistance from the council."

He said pavements were left covered in sludge and debris for days, leaving residents to clear the mess to get out of their homes.

He said the sludge was a stinking mess which could well have been a health hazard.

Dr Turner said he welcomed the council's moves, which were needed because of the strong feeling of many local people.

Local Labour councillor Francis Tonks said the council would investigate the drainage system and the dams.

Officials were also collecting samples of the mud to see whether it contained toxins.

Bevendean Community Association will hold a public meeting about the floods at the Scout Hut on November 7 at 7.30pm.

Dr Turner, Coun Theobald and other local councillors will be invited, along with people affected by the floods.

Bevendean was the worst-hit part of Brighton and Hove during the recent floods.

At one point Leybourne Road resembled a lake as 4ft of water gushed into the street.

Brighton and Hove Council opened an emergency centre for 30 families affected by mud and water.