Businesses complain about 'atrocious' sewage smell

People are complaining about the smell of sewage around Southwick due to a pipe which has been blocked for three months

Businesses in West Sussex say the pungent smell of sewage is filling their offices due to a pipe which has been blocked for three months.

Southern Water’s pumping station in Southwick is believed to be blocked by clothing and pieces of wood.

Residents and businesses first reported the smell back in July and have been apologising to customers for the “stench”.

Southern Water said it had been draining surface rainwater before it could access the blockage.

'It's a bit embarrassing'

“It has been atrocious really, it’s quite difficult to work,” said Marie Dhont, director at The Real Patisserie.

“Every so often it’s like walking into a blocked toilet, it’s not very pleasant.

“It has been a problem of the water system in the UK for years, hopefully that may change.”

BBC Radio Sussex spoke to people in Southwick about the smell back in August, around six weeks after the blockage.

Lucy Newton opened her business in the summer and has been apologising to customers for the smell

Lucy Newton, owner of Lulu’s Dance and Activewear, said: “I think the frustration comes from the lack of communication from Southern Water. This has been going on for three months now, what is actually going on?

“It’s a bit embarrassing, I have to explain to customers every time. They come in and think it’s the smell of seaweed and I say it’s sewage.”

This week, water regulator Ofwat ordered Southern Water to repay customers £31 million to customers for missing targets as part of its annual performance review.

Southern Water has apologised to businesses and residents and said teams had been draining surface water following heavy rainfall so they could access the blockage.

A spokesperson added: “Initial investigations suggest clothing and wood has caused the issue.

"But with 40,000km of sewers, it’s absolutely vital that people understand not to put the wrong things down loos or sinks, and report any potential issues as soon as possible."

The company said it had more than 22,000 artificial intelligence monitors to help it detect when sewers in blockage hotspots are backing up.