A Bolton MP called on an Environment Minister to commit to protecting her constituents from the flooding in the aftermath of Storm Babet.

The storm arrived in the UK last week leaving hundreds homeless after around 1,250 homes were affected, the Environment Agency said.

The borough was not hit hard last week but some areas, such as Prestolee, remain anxious about floods after the impact of incidents such as those on Boxing Day, 2015.

On Monday, Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi called on Environment Minister Rebecca Pow to commit to protecting her constituents from the flooding via investment in defences.

Ms Qureshi asked Ms Pow: "My heart goes out to all the communities affected and to those who lost their lives particularly.

"The images on the news of the devastation of the floods will have an impact on communities who have flooded previously. 

"People in Prestolee on the River Irwell in my constituency will be among those watching with anxiety. I have raised this issue several times in the chamber and with the minister. 

"Can she assure me every house in every community which has faced flooding this week and in previous years, including Prestolee, will get the funding they need to be able to protect their lives, livelihoods and property?"

The Bolton News: Yasmin Qureshi

In Bolton on Boxing Day, 2015, dozens of homes were flooded, some of them on Riverside Drive up to 1.5 metres in depth.

Ms Pow described the work done by the Conservative Government since but declined to commit to investment in defences.

Ms Pow said: "[Ms Qureshi] and I have met and discussed her issues a number of times. We launched the 'Frequently Flooded Fund' of £100 million. The areas to put forward projects for the funding are finding it effective, and another round will open shortly.

"Insurance is also important for houses where there is a possibility of flooding, and [insurance scheme] Flood Re works on this intensively.

"The process has been tweaked to ensure as many houses as possible can get into it and a huge number of properties have been helped. 

"The Association of British Insurers has worked closely to ensure all people are being catered for. There is also an extra 'Build Back Better' of £10,000 to build one's property back better."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.