Residents in the Wharfe Valley have backed their MP's call for householders to be given greater protection against flooding.

And they echoed criticism from other MPs that funding flood defences through a 'flood tax' on riverside residents would be unfair.

Flooding in early February saw water levels on the Wharfe rise 3.3m above normal - higher than during the autumn 2000 floods.

Homes at Denton Road, Ilkley, and Castley Lane, Pool, were flooded, and householders in Otley were also hit.

Speaking at an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, Harold Best - whose Leeds North West constituency includes Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington - said communities needed greater Government help to combat the "debilitating and corrosive'' effects of flooding.

He told the House the Wharfe was bursting its banks with increasing frequency and had flooded three times in the last year.

He said flood management plans were "inadequate" and needed revising.

"No one expects ministers to turn the tide but I am hopeful they can help develop a better, more sensitive and more efficient planning process for the now inevitable overflowing of our rivers.''

City of York MP Hugh Bayley said: "We need to spend more money on flood defences and that means the public will have to pay. But the burden must be shared equitably. We must not play off one community against another,'' he added.

Marie Consoli, who was left with water lapping at the doors of her home in Farnley Lane, Otley, earlier this month, called for flood defences for Otley, but said it should be paid for from general taxation, and that action should also be taken to ensure becks and streams were kept clear of silt and rubbish to accommodate rising water levels.

Ann Cryer, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, said: "A flood poll tax would be unfair - it should come from general taxation.

Mrs Cryer said more should be done at Government level to discourage developers from building on flood plains.

Otley mayor Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) said general taxes should pay for appropriate flood defences.

The Environment Agency said work on a £500,000 mile-long flood embankment on agricultural land at the side of the Wharfe - designed to protect 16 homes and three farms on Castley Lane, Pool - will begin in spring and be completed by September.

The agency said flood defences for Otley and Ilkley are also being explored.

Work to protect homes in Stockbridge, Keighley, hit by the 2000 floods, is expected to begin this summer.