Families in Lindfield facing an uphill struggle to get flood relief have won more support from their MP.

Nicholas Soames, MP for Mid Sussex, has complained to Environment Minister Michael Meacher about the delay.

The families in Hickmans Lane, Appledore Gardens and the Blackthorns area of Lindfield have been hit by floods because culverts in a stream and small drains under roads are unable to cope with big downpours.

In one of the worst cases in May, water flooded under the floorboards of some homes.

Don Jutson, of Hickmans Lane, Lindfield, said: "Because the road down here runs uphill it just stops. We want some urgent action. You are always on tenterhooks in case it rains.

"Mr Soames has been very good and has taken it up in Parliament."

The MP has complained that no action has been taken since he first raised the matter in the House of Commons in June.

The Environment Agency says it does not plan to start work on a new culvert that may cure the problem until next summer because site investigations are needed. Families have sandbags outside their homes at the ready.

Mr Soames said: "Whilst I fully appreciate that flood defence schemes require detailed consideration and investigation, I am astounded by the complacency of the Minister's response to me in which he concluded that in this case he was satisfied that there have been no undue delays. His response does nothing to relieve the suffering and stress experienced by the residents who now have to wait another year before work begins if the agency is awarded Grant Aid."

A spokesman for Mr Meacher's office said it would look into Mr Soames' comments.