SHOPS and bars along Ramsgate harbour have been mopping up again after heavy rain caused flooding.

Last Wednesday's downpour was the fourth time this summer businesses have had to clean up.

The deluge puts more pressure on Southern Water, which is trying to find the cause of the ongoing problem.

A company spokesman said: "Before Wednesday's storm, we took proactive measures to reduce the risk of repeat flooding, which included clearing the sewer of any possible blockages.

"Unfortunately, flooding still occurred and we're investigating why that happened, although early indications show the system was overwhelmed by the intense rainfall.

"A CCTV survey did not reveal any damage to the sewer and our pumping station was working as it should."

When the road flooded last month on the day of the Monster Bass festival, Southern Water blamed global warming for the more extreme weather.

Luciano Valeri, who owns Alexandra Ristorante, tried to report the flooding late Wednesday evening. He said: "I waited from 11.22pm to 12.45am on Thursday morning for someone to answer the phone. Luckily we had a pump but my neighbour wasn't so lucky."

Pelosi's Ice Cream Parlour owner Luigi Pelosi, 52, discovered four inches of water in his basement. He said: "Someone should be held responsible for this – I can't run my business properly."

A Southern Water spokesman said: "Flooding is the responsibility of several organisations, depending on where and how it occurs, including water companies, local authorities, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency.

"These agencies work together to resolve flooding issues and do not apportion blame as urban drainage and flooding is a very complex issue. The joint aim of these agencies is to work together to reduce the risk of flooding.

"We know these flooding incidents have been distressing for the businesses in Harbour Parade and we're doing all we can to find the cause. A full investigation is under way and we are liaising directly with affected customers."