CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has used a House of Commons debate to press for effective support for families who live in areas at risk of flooding, and find it difficult and expensive to secure appropriate flood insurance.

Mr Stride's constituency saw some of the worst flooding in the south west last November, and has expressed concern about the excess on insurance policies which could leave victims of flooding paying thousands of pounds towards any insurance claim.

Speaking in the debate on November 25, Mr Stride said: 'It is vital that we drill down to the details, such as the excess arrangements in the policies that are made available to those in need.'

Speaking after the debate he said: 'Since last November I have repeatedly raised the issue of flood insurance in the Commons.

'There are families in my constituency and across the country who either cannot afford the insurance premiums being asked of them or have to agree to huge excesses in order to be able to afford the annual premium.

'There are some who are in danger of being refused any insurance cover at all.'