Rubbish in a disused boating lake could be replaced by model boats after complaints from nearby residents.

The boating lake next to Worthing's Aquarena swimming pool has become an eyesore during the past two years with mattresses, traffic cones and shopping trolleys dumped in the stagnant water.

Residents in nearby New Parade have complained of the smell, the flies and vandalism.

Worthing Borough Council has now begun talks with a model boat club which, if it takes up the licence, would keep the lake clean and litter-free.

Bob Cliff, estates officer, said: "The club would only use the lake once or twice a month. Their meetings are fairly informal and the use would be very limited.

"We would ideally like to find someone to operate a boat hire concession, as was the case two seasons ago. We could work that around the use by the model boat enthusiasts."

Emma Whiston, of New Parade, welcomed the move to invite the model boat club to look after the boating lake.

She said: "I would like a playground to be built there for the kids but if it was used by a model boating club, it would at least be kept clean."

Jan Gillam, co-owner of nearby Del Mar Hotel, said: "The guests in all of my prestigious rooms can see it. I wish the council would sort it out once and for all. It's dangerous and it's an eyesore."