The aroma of a spicy curry is stirring more than just the tastebuds for one Sussex couple.

While residents in Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, say they enjoy a good Indian meal as much as anyone else, they are being driven to distraction by their local restaurant.

The problem caused by pervasive curry pongs has got so bad that one homeowner has put his property up for sale.

Even the postmistress is threatening to shut up shop.

In a bid to resolve the issue, planners at Mid Sussex District Council have agreed to let the owner of Cuckfield Tandoori try a new extractor fan on a year's basis.

Among them is Tom McCrue, 49, who says one of the reasons he was selling his home in Ockenden Lane was because of the smell.

Mr McCrue, who runs a physiotherapy practice in the village, said the spice-fuelled aromas were ruining his quality of life.

"We get this smell seven days a week and, although I like Indian food, it gets too much after a while," he said.

"It's a very powerful smell and means we can not open our windows or sit in the garden when we want to.

"My shop suffers because we cannot open the windows in the hot weather because of the smell."

Postmistress Helen Clark, 41, said she was thinking of moving out.

She said: "People have to decide whether they want a post office or a curry house. I have told the staff I really am thinking of moving.

"It's just unbearable. I can't even hang the washing out all day because I'll have curry-smelling clothes.

"It's probably quite a nice smell for people who don't live here but it's awful for us. I can't cope much longer."

Simon and Adonia Montfort Bebb, both retired, said the problem was particularly bad when the wind blew in their direction.

Mrs Monfort Bebb said: "You cannot hang your washing out or open your windows the smell is just there all the time.

"I like Indian food but it's awful when you have to live with the smell of cooking every day."

Restaurant owner Abdul Salam said: "We have had a few problems with our outside fans.

"We are installing new extractor fans which should improve things for everybody."