LAUNDERETTE boss John Hoskins has slammed Thames Water for failing to tackle flooding which is washing his business down the drain.

Brookford Cleaners has only opened on about seven days since early December due to persistent flooding from sewers brimming with rain water.

Workers at the launderette, on the High Street, Chalfont St Peter, have been checking water levels in the staff toilet as a guide to whether the washing machines can be operated safely.

Mr Hoskins believes water from the machines ends up coming back into the shop because the drains cannot cope. He blames Thames Water, which is responsible for the sewers, for not doing enough to improve the situation.

Mr Hoskins, who has written to Thames Water's chief executive, said: "Every time it rains we are under threat of being put out of business. It's a nightmare. Staff are staying for hours mopping up the water."

Andrew Boyd, spokesman for Thames Water, said they were aware of the problem and were trying to deal with it as quickly as possible.

Mr Boyd explained it was difficult to investigate the problem because the sewers are so full of rain water. He added: "We have tried in various ways to tinker with our system but without great success as the problem is still recurring."