Traders blame poorly maintained drains for water flooding a new art and craft centre in Coulsdon, which was due to be opened by the mayor next week, but will remain closed indefinitely.

The centre, based in Chipstead Valley Road, plans to exhibit local artists' work and host workshops, and was scheduled to open on January 14, but rising waters caused by heavy rain on December 30 dampened hopes of opening on time.

Owner of Art And Craft Stationers, Lalinda Vora said: "This is my first venture into setting up my own business but so far I have not only had to postpone the Mayor's arrival but have had to cancel the order of an electric kiln until my new wooden floorboards dry up and are relayed. That alone will cost £1,000."

Owners of the Mandarin Chinese restaurant next door were reluctant to serve up sewage-soaked noodles to customers after water destroyed ingredients kept in their store room and a freezer short-circuited and broke.

Traders say this is not the first time, they have been hit by floods and want Croydon Council to sort out their soak away.

A Croydon Council spokesman said: "Engineers went to Chipstead Valley Road today (Tuesday 7) to have a look at the problem and they have reported to us that the soak-away in that area is clear.

"The drains are also clear. There is no problem in that area.

"It is not a place where we've had a lot of problems with flooding."