Excavation works in a field near one of the proposed sites for a new sewage treatment works are not being carried out by Southern Water.

The water company has received calls from worried residents, who thought the works in a field near St Dunstan's Centre for Blind Ex-Servicemen and Women at Ovingdean, were related to a controversial proposal to build a sewage treatment plant on land adjoining Roedean School.

The water company revealed a suitable site for a new sewage works would be next to the Ovingdean roundabout on the A259 South Coast Road, between Roedean School and St Dunstan's.

Just after it announced the proposal, excavation works began in a field near the proposed sites, which sparked fears in some residents.

However, the digging is part of Brighton and Hove City Council's coastal defence work.

The final phase of this work, between Brighton Marina and Saltdean, began earlier this month and the phase between Brighton Marina and Ovingdean is expected to take about 18 months.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "The work being carried out in the field opposite St Dunstan's is linked to this scheme and not to Southern Water's proposal for the new sewage plant."

A spokeswoman for Southern Water said the company had received calls from Ovingdean residents worried the work was part of early investigations for a sewage plant.

She said there would be public consultation before any work was carried out on any sites.