It may have been the bank holiday but things were looking bleak on Brighton beach and not just because the temperatures were cool.

Seafront traders hoping yesterday's crowds would bring in a healthy cashflow were instead faced by a flow of something a lot less appetising.

Sewage forced restaurateurs to move tables indoors and drove away many visitors.

Traders have estimated the plunge in business will have cost them thousands of pounds and nauseating days such as these may have a lasting effect on Brighton's reputation.

Seaside resorts, with their bracing sea breezes, are meant to be good for your health.

Beach visitors expect a pleasant whiff of fish and chips - not sewage.

Sadly neither staff at the Palace Pier nor at Southern Water could confirm how it happened.

After the infamous Fatboy Slim party in July, Brighton beach was littered with thousands of shards of broken glass for weeks afterwards.

Yesterday brought yet another reason for people to keep their distance.

The stench forced hundreds of visitors to hold their noses in disgust.

In future they may simply turn up their noses at coming to Brighton at all.