Friends of the Earth is warning official data shows thousands of homes across Wirral are at risk of flooding.

The campaign group revealed its analysis of Environment Agency figures shows 6,801 homes in the borough are at risk, including 4,656 in Wallasey.

This includes 190 which have been judged by the agency to be at “significant risk”.

North West regional campaigner Helen Rimmer said: “We are asking Wirral MPs to support the call for flood defences in-line with the risks posed by climate change.

“Flooding is devastating for anyone that is affected by it and as a country we must do much more to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

“Without proper investment in flood defences, hundreds of thousands more homes could be put at risk of flooding.

“Prevention is better than cure, so it's also vital that the Government redouble efforts to stop climate change becoming worse.”

She said there is a pressing need for more investment in renewables and to make homes energy efficient, and to reject fracking and unconventional fossil fuels.

Councillor Brian Kenny, cabinet member for environment and sustainability said: “We are in regular contact with the Environment Agency, to assess the risks to Wirral’s residents posed by flooding.

"While these figures suggest a significant flood risk for Wallasey in particular, we are vigilant to protect communities across the peninsula from the potential damage that flooding can cause, whether it be from the sea, rivers and water courses or groundwater, as we have seen in many other areas of the country.

“The council provides advice to residents on how to safeguard their homes in the event of flooding.

"This includes information regarding keeping gutters and drains clear and well maintained, as well as any water courses which run across or border your garden.”

Nationally, more than 6,500 homes have been affected by the winter floods and storms.

The Met Office says the UK suffered its wettest winter since records began in 1910.

Figures for December 1 to February 19 show the UK has had 486mm (19.2 inches) of rain, making it the wettest winter in records dating back to 1910, beating the previous record set in 1995 of 485 mm (19.1 inches).