‘The council hasn’t learnt its lesson’: Angry business owners say drains should have been cleared before destructive flash floods in Stoke Newington

Aftermath: The owner of AW said sandbags came too late to make a difference. Photograph: Julia Gregory

Frustrated business owners say more could have been done before heavy flooding that has caused thousands of pounds of damage in Stoke Newington.

They say drains should have been cleaned following sever flood warnings.

Traders are counting the cost after water gushed through shops, leaving a trail of damaged stock.

The downpour saw thousands of litres of water swamp the streets of Stoke Newington, forcing areas to be cordoned off around the High Street, Northwold Road and Cazenove Road.

Council staff are working to clear blocked drains and hand out sandbags to residents.

Michael Kaye, the manage of AW, which sells children’s clothes and accessories, said the flash flood could cost the business £100,000.

Water pours down the stairs at AW. Image: Michael Kaye

The heavy rainfall followed weeks of soaring temperatures that parched grassland and scorched tree leaves.

Kaye said: “When there’s a flash flood, the drains do not cope.”

He said the council should clear drains at the end of the summer and said sandbags were given out after the floods had done their worst.

Traders pay a lot of money in business rates and need more support to prevent disasters, he said.

“It happened last year too and it seems the council has not learnt its lesson.”

Two staff members were inside the store when the water came in.

“It pushed down through the streets into the basement,” said Kaye. “The council put sandbags outside after it happened, but they were useless in holding the water back.”

Another trader also voiced frustration about blocked drains.

“The drain was full of leaves, the water was deep,” she said.

Bjorn Sandberg spoke of his shock after his basement flat flooded with around four feet of water.

His family are celebrating the birth of their son three weeks ago.

Sandberg said drains need clearing more regularly: “The most alarming thing was when I was walking down Evering Road home and the drainage was an issue.

“There was a sea of water coming down. The drainage was most definitely an issue and part of the problem.”

His carpets are waterlogged and his flooring has been destroyed.

Hackney Council and Transport for London have been approached for comment.