MP Bob Spink is in disbelief that Canvey has not been chosen as the base for the fire service’s new specialist flood-fighting team.

Last week, bosses at Essex Fire Service announced the base would be in Leigh.

But Castle Point Independent Dr Spink believes the fire service has got it wrong and says the obvious choice was the island which is below sea level and often suffers flooding.

The MP has now written to Gordon Hunter, assistant chief fire officer, to outline his concerns and urge him to reconsider.

He said: “Canvey should be the first place for them to focus.

“Anyone who has lived on Canvey for the past year knows it is prone to surface water flooding after just a little bit of rain. This is not to mention any storm surge which could threaten the clay sea defences at the rear of the island.”

Canvey councillor Ray Howard agreed with Dr Spink and said he too would lobby the fire service.

He said: “Obviously, Canvey has its problems with surface flood water. I will make sure I make representations to the fire service.”

However Tony Hedley, chairman of the Essex Fire Authority, said there were good reasons for basing the crew in Leigh.

He said: “This decision went through nine months of consultation and it was decided housing it in Leigh would allow it to cover as wide an area as possible.”