SMALL businesses in Fenland and Peterborough need better insurance cover to protect against floods, a pressure group has warned.

The Federation of Small Businesses claims that many firms cannot get adequate insurance cover and have to pay out themselves to repair damage.

It wants further investment in flood defences to make it easier for businesses and householders to get insurance.

Amir Butt, vice-chairman of FSB’s Peterborough branch, said: “We have been relatively lucky in this region that we haven’t suffered quite as badly this time as some other parts of the country.

“However, the east coast is particularly susceptible to flooding and it is vitally important that our businesses are adequately protected, both with good flood defences and with acceptable insurance cover.”

The FSB wants the Government to do more to protect small firms in areas at high risk of flooding.

One FSB member, who does not wish to be identified, said he had already been flooded around 18 times this year and is having to pay out around �10,000 each time to repair the damage.

“This is devastating my business and I don’t have insurance for flood damage,” he said.

John Walker, national chairman of FSB, said: “It is unacceptable that small firms are paying out what could amount to tens of thousands of pounds because they can’t get adequate protection from their insurers.

“Nor is it acceptable that flood defences aren’t robust enough to withstand the rain.

“The money these firms are paying out could be being used to grow their business or take on more staff. Instead they have to pay themselves to repair the damage.

“This can’t carry on year-after-year, so the Government and insurance industry must reach a decision on the universal cover as soon as possible.”