UP TO 1,000 people, angry at Southern Water's proposals to upgrade the Portobello sewage works at Telscombe Cliffs, staged a mass demonstration.

It was the biggest protest yet against the £60 million scheme and one of the largest demonstrations ever seen in the area.

They lined the busy A259 South Coast Road along the boundary of where the company wants to build on the beach below.

The number at Saturday's event surprised and delighted the Campaign for Residents Against Portobello.

Actor Paul Moriarty, who played George Palmer in EastEnders, and Joby Talbot, keyboard player with the pop group Divine Comedy, joined councillors from all parties and families in the protest.

Motorists tooted support at the placard carrying residents, who held up home-made signs such as Portosmello, Welcome to Sewage on Sea, Say No to Sewer Rats and Hands Off Our Beach.

Overnight the word Portosmello had also been painted in huge white letters on the cliff top grass.

The increasing tide of protest against the scheme has led to a postponment of the decision day on the project.

Members of East Sussex County Council's transport and environment planning sub committee will now consider the latest proposal from Southern Water on June 16. It had originally been thought the matter would be discussed on May 12.

Campaign chairman Don Burrell said: "The turnout shows the level of feeling against the project. The support has has been fantastic. It must be one of the biggest demonstrations ever seen in the area."

Telscombe county councillor David Neighbour, chairman of the transport and environment committee, who until now has felt it inappropriate to comment due his position on the council, said: "There is massive feeling against the proposal. On the doorstep 99.9 per cent of people are opposed to the upgrading".

Peacehaven county councillor Robin Allen said: "The numbers who have turned out means that Southern Water has got to take note of the feelings over this factory on the beach."

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