Sewage pipes in West Way area Lancing being relined

West Way in Lancing has endured six separate bursts along just over a mile of pipework since October last year.

Each time it has led to “repulsive” sewage all over the street.

The pipe burst again today during works, something which is "not uncommon" according to Southern Water.

The company was “just days away” from starting to fix the old pipes in the area last month when there was another burst.

In the last two weeks it has started relining pipes to try to prevent future problems.

Workers this morning in West Way

A spokeswoman said: “We have been working to reline the inside of our wastewater main in West Way, Lancing, since 18 July. This work follows a succession of bursts on the ageing pipe, which has been damaged by the impact of saltwater.

“It is not uncommon for bursts to occur during works, and we were prepared. Tankers and sandbags were on site, allowing us to control the burst quickly and reduce the effect on nearby residents.

“We have been communicating with customers in the lead up to, and during, the works and would like to thank them for their ongoing patience and understanding.

Southern Water are relining around 2km of pipe

"We are sorry for the disruption caused to road users in the area.”

There were big delays on the A259 this morning with temporary traffic lights in place to allow work to take place in and around the West Way area.

The pipe burst several times late last year and again last month, leading to sewage flooding the street “kerb to kerb”.

Residents previously slammed the water provider for not fixing the problem sooner.

Delays this morning on the A259 (Image: Newsquest)

Nigel Sweet, who lives in The Broadway, said last month: “Southern Water must have spent eye-watering sums of money on this but for whatever reason they have not done the obvious thing and replaced the main pipe which they admit they have got to do.

“Why would you tinker around the edge, spending a lot of money on reparations rather than sorting out the source of the problem. That is what is frustrating us.”

A spokeswoman for Southern Water apologised last month, saying the leak was “frustrating as we were just days away from undertaking a relining scheme to future proof the pipe”.