Pollution investigators are closing in on those responsible for Worthing failing two seawater health tests.

They believe the mystery failures could be blamed on a recently-built block of flats where surface water and sewage has been allowed to mix.

But councillors admitted further checks were necessary before the flats could be named and shamed.

Tourism officials were furious when Worthing last year twice failed seawater quality tests done by the town-based Environment Agency.

A total of 20 samples were taken over 2002 from the beach opposite Heene Road, and had they passed, the borough council could have applied for a coveted Seaside Award for the seventh year running.

But if more than one sample fails to meet the standard the water is classified as "poor".

The failures sparked investigations from both the Environment Agency and Southern Water, which have so far not identified the culprits.

Council environment officer Keith Chamberlain said: "Worthing is the only designated bathing beach within the Southern Water region that failed to meet the EU Mandatory standard this year.

"The results are particularly disappointing as Southern Water, who are responsible for water waste treatment and disposal, completed the installation of secondary treatment at the East Worthing Waste Water Treatment Works."