A HUGE fatberg has caused a sewage pipe to collapse leading to traffic disruption.

Southern Water says it apologises for the continued disruption in Ditchling, under East End Lane and Lewes Road.

It comes after the water company began work to clear an 80-metre fatberg in a sewer pipe.

The rock-like mass is eight metres down which means that additional measures are required to reach it.

Fatbergs are formed when oil, grease and fat poured down drains combine with non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes, nappies and cotton buds.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: "We are working hard to maintain wastewater flows during this period, so that local properties can continue to use their kitchens and bathrooms as normal.

"Tankers and an overland pumping system are being used to do this, which requires traffic management on East End Lane and Lewes Road for safety."

The company placed a camera in the pipeline to investigate its condition and found a "defect" located in a section below the housing development site at 61 Lewes Road.

Normal sewer flow is currently being affected but works are continuing to ensure residents can use their kitchens and bathrooms as normal.

The spokesman added: "At 8 metres down this pipeline sits deeper than usual, meaning additional measure are required to reach and expose the pipe for the repair – we need to undertake an extensive and very deep excavation within the development site area.

"We are currently in talks with the developer to secure access to their site as quickly as possible. Current plans are to mobilise our teams and equipment to start work on Thursday, February 17, and once set-up we anticipate that the work will be completed by mid to end March.

"We are working hard to maintain wastewater flows during this period, so that local properties can continue to use their kitchens and bathrooms as normal.

"Tankers and an overland pumping system are being used to do this, which requires traffic management on East End Lane and Lewes Road for safety.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to residents and road users, and thank everyone for their ongoing patience as we work to complete these works quickly as possible."

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